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Job Description
Lead, Product Formulation and Scale-Up Operations Amaco - 3.9 Indianapolis, IN Job Details Full-time $100,000 - $110,000 a year 20 hours ago Qualifications Safety data sheet (SDS) reading Laboratory procedures Developing new product formulations Safety regulations High school diploma or GED Chemical new product development projects Delegation Full Job Description Build what artists trust Imagine guiding a formula from a spark of an idea to a product that earns a permanent place on an artist's shelf. As our Lead for Product Formulation and Scale-Up Operations, you transform concepts into consistent, safe, and beautiful results. Mission Advance AMACO's portfolio of formulated products—glazes, underglazes, automotive styling clays, Rub N Buff waxes, and Brush N Leaf finishes—by steering day-to-day execution, safeguarding lab excellence, and developing people. How you'll lead Operational ownership: Maintain live visibility into every active NPD formulation project; manage schedules, trackers, and phase gates; host short stand-ups to keep priorities clear and risks visible.
Safety and rigor:
Ensure full compliance with OSHA, SDS, and environmental standards; keep SDS current; uphold validated test protocols and QC procedures; maintain supply levels and equipment readiness; drive a strong safety culture through audits and follow-through.
From bench to plant:
Plan and observe pilot/production trials; deliver complete manufacturing handoff packages (specs, process parameters, quality criteria); collaborate with Operations and Quality to diagnose and resolve scale-up challenges.
People development:
Direct and mentor a team of 2-5; clarify goals, delegate tasks, hold regular 1:1s; partner with the Director of NPD on reviews, goals, and talent development; foster curiosity and an artist-informed approach to problem-solving. Reporting Reports to the Director of New Product Development, enabling strategic focus at the portfolio level.
Qualifications Education:
BFA or equivalent preferred; studio art experience with AMACO or similar materials is valuable. Exposure to chemistry/materials/ceramics science is a plus.
Experience:
3+ years with formulated products in studio or professional environments; prior supervision or mentoring preferred; demonstrated proficiency with lab methods and quality testing; fluency in OSHA and SDS practices; experience supporting manufacturing scale-up preferred.
Core strengths:
Multi-project orchestration, proactive communication, hands-on problem solving, passion for art materials, proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Workspace; project tools like Smartsheet/Asana are a bonus. Working conditions Expect extended standing, lifting up to 50+ pounds, and work in both hot and cold environments. Duties involve standing, walking, fine hand work, reaching, occasional sitting/climbing/balancing/stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling; visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment; clear communication by speech and hearing is required. Schedule and travel Full-time, Monday-Friday, generally 40+ hours per week, with periodic evenings/weekends as needed. No travel expected. Education baseline High School Diploma or equivalent minimum. Note on scope This description outlines the role's current scope; responsibilities may evolve with business needs without prior notice. Notices and compliance
Classification:
Salary:
Exempt Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
EEO Statement:
AMACO is an
Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind:
AMACO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at AMACO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the location where we operate. AMACO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
