Group Leader - Applications Engineering

and lead the Technical Application Team at our Coatings’ Southfield Technical Center and serve as the Safety Leader for the site.

Responsibilities include directing lab technicians in automotive coatings applications, supporting Technical and QC labs, and overseeing safety processes such as training, incident reporting, and compliance. The role involves assigning and prioritizing work, developing project timelines, maintaining documentation (SOPs, work instructions, best practices), and serving as the key contact for EHS audits. It also includes coordinating budgets and capital/safety project startups. Success requires strong technical, strategic, and analytical thinking, along with cross-functional collaboration across EHS, Site Management, Procurement, and Asset Management.

What you'll do:

• Lead daily operations of lab technicians and contractors, ensuring safety and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with Technical Lab Leaders and Field Service Teams to manage and coordinate technical projects and troubleshooting.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards and support cost-saving initiatives.
• Exchange best practices with BASF’s Application Technology Group and equipment suppliers.
• Organize EHS training, hazard identification, and accident investigations.
• Partner with site safety teams for inspections and corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary contact for lab-related safety and environmental issues.
• Review and update EHS procedures for labs and spray booths.
• Enforce EHS standards and lead implementation efforts.
• Prepare for and participate in audits, manage MOC documentation, and implement corrective actions.
• Investigate incidents, track statistics, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage QSHE reporting and action tracking in coordination with relevant teams.
• Oversee safety-related aspects of equipment, processes, and site projects.
• Ensure onboarding and ongoing training compliance with RC and EHS audit requirements.

If you...

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or material science.
• At least 5 years of experience with increasing responsibility in automotive OEM coatings application
• Substantive knowledge pf automotive coating application technology.
• Experience and breadth in coating chemistries and with multiple paint systems and layers
• Experience interacting with external customers, and suppliers of equipment, materials, and services.
• Experience working in a dynamic environment with ability to manage changing priorities.
• People and Project Management experience

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF . We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

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Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.