Formulator

The Formulator is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing friction material formulations for disc pad applications. This role combines deep materials science expertise with hands-on laboratory work to deliver formulations that meet exacting performance, safety, cost, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is an innovative problem-solver with a strong understanding of friction material behavior and a track record of bringing products from concept through validation to production launch.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Formulation Development

• Research, develop, and optimize new and existing friction material formulations for disc pad applications.
• Design formulations to meet specific performance targets, including friction coefficient (mu), wear rate, noise/vibration/harshness (NVH), thermal stability, and compressibility.
• Develop cost-effective material strategies that balance performance requirements with raw material pricing and supply chain considerations.
• Manage the formulation development lifecycle from initial concept through prototype, validation testing, and production release.

Testing & Validations

• Coordinate laboratory testing of friction materials.
• Analyze test data to evaluate friction, wear, fade resistance, recovery, and thermal characteristics; translate findings into formulation adjustments.
• Support vehicle-level validation testing and collaborate with engineering to resolve any field performance issues.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and sales teams to align formulation development with customer specifications and production capabilities.
• Ensure all formulations comply with applicable industry standards and regulations, including environmental/sustainability requirements (e.g., copper-free mandates).
• Evaluate and qualify new raw materials, maintaining relationships with material suppliers and staying current on material innovations.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain thorough documentation of all formulation activities, including test plans, mix sheets, material specifications, and development reports.
• Contribute to the organization’s intellectual property portfolio through formulation innovation and process improvement.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies in friction materials and braking systems.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in friction material formulation for automotive brake applications.
• Demonstrated experience successfully launching OE and/or aftermarket brake pad programs from formulation through production.
• In-depth knowledge of friction material constituents (resins, fibers, fillers, friction modifiers, abrasives) and their effects on pad performance.
• Working knowledge of industry test standards (SAE J2522, J2707, J2784, FMVSS 135, ECE R90) and dynamometer/chase machine testing protocols.
• Familiarity with automotive safety and quality standards (IATF 16949, PPAP, APQP) as they relate to product development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical methods.
• Excellent communication skills—able to clearly present technical findings to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders.