INGRID ZIMMERMAN
Delivery Operations Manager, ALBERT INVENT
Could you please share your current role, what it entails, and what excites you most about it?
I’m currently a delivery operations manager at Albert Invent, where I support chemical and materials companies in implementing our software to digitalize their lab workflows. What excites me most is the opportunity to learn about diverse scientific processes and help address long-standing bottlenecks in R&D. Seeing Albert accelerate innovation and solve problems that have challenged teams for years is incredibly rewarding.
What brought you to the coatings industry? Was it part of the plan, or did you discover coatings along the way?
I began my career in biotechnology, but a move to Pittsburgh led me to the coatings industry. I was drawn to the opportunity to design new materials used in everyday products and contribute to real-world solutions. My work on automotive adhesives and sealants gave me this tangible sense of purpose—I could understand the results of my efforts every time I stepped into a car.
How important has mentorship or a piece of advice from someone been in your career—and have you had the chance to mentor others in return?
Mentorship has been incredibly important in my career. When I entered the coatings industry, I had strong advocates in leadership who pushed me forward and gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. For example, I was encouraged to visit customers and research sites both domestically and internationally, which broadened my perspective of the industry and its capabilities. Their support—especially in the early stages of my career—was fundamental in helping me build confidence and feel capable in the field. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to mentor others, particularly those early in their careers, to pay forward the guidance that made such a difference for me.
How, if at all, did your educational background shape your path into coatings?
Although I didn’t originally set out to work in the coatings industry, my educational background in chemistry laid the foundation for exploring ways to innovate within the material world. I’ve always been especially interested in creating things that have a direct, tangible impact. Early in my career, I spent time in biotech, which offered exciting intellectual challenges but ultimately left me feeling disconnected from the end product. That insight guided me toward the coatings field— specifically automotive adhesives and sealants—where I could leverage my chemistry background to explore adhesion mechanisms and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
Have you ever taken a detour or changed directions in your career? What did that pivot teach you?
Yes—first, I pivoted from biotech R&D into the coatings industry, which taught me how to quickly translate scientific expertise into a new domain. Later, I shifted from hands-on bench work to delivery operations, where I’ve used my technical background to help R&D organizations digitally transform and accelerate product development. Both transitions pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone and embrace adaptability.
What trends or developments do you think are shaping the future of coatings?
The coatings industry has developed a keen focus on sustainability in recent years. Towards the end of my time in the lab, it was clear that momentum was building around low-VOC solutions and biobased raw materials aimed at reducing energy use and waste. Evolving EHS regulations have also driven a shift toward safer chemistries, with greater scrutiny on materials classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxic (CMR) and other hazardous substances.
Beyond raw materials, I’ve seen growing interest in leveraging AI as a formulation tool—offering the potential to dramatically accelerate innovation. This intersection of technology and materials is one of the key reasons I’m so excited to be part of Albert Invent.
Are there particular industry innovations or shifts you’re excited about?
Definitely. I’m excited by the coatings industry’s shift toward sustainability—especially low-VOC solutions, biobased raw materials, and safer chemistries in response to tightening regulations. I’m also excited by how AI is starting to transform formulation development and accelerating innovation.
What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in this industry?
A mindset of continuous improvement and a strong ability to solve problems within real-world constraints is crucial in the coatings industry. Given the evolving landscape of regulations and growing focus on sustainability, it’s essential to stay both informed and adaptable. Collaboration is also key. Whether it’s working with R&D, regulatory, or commercial teams, it can be hard to move initiatives forward without cross-functional alignment.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the industry or considering a career in coatings?
Stay curious and open to learning—this industry is incredibly dynamic. Coatings touch nearly every sector, from consumer goods to aerospace, and there’s constant innovation happening in materials, processes, and sustainability. I found it extremely valuable to gain experience in not only R&D but also regulatory and manufacturing to understand the full product lifecycle.
What keeps you motivated and eager to come to work each day?
I’m energized by the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges both in and out of the lab. I’m also motivated by the opportunity to learn—one of the most exciting aspects of my role at Albert. There’s always a new challenge to tackle, and each solution helps pave the way for faster product development in ways I wish I had access to when I worked at the bench. Above all else, being surrounded by smart, collaborative colleagues who care deeply about what they do makes the work feel rewarding.
How does company culture impact your work and ability to perform successfully?
Company culture plays a critical role in performance. While meaningful work matters, it’s the support, collaboration, and mutual respect among colleagues that drive long-term engagement. I’ve been fortunate to work in environments where a strong culture has enabled both my personal and professional growth.
Ingrid Zimmerman is a chemist with a strong foundation in academic research and industry innovation. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Washington, where she conducted research focused on the conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemical feedstocks.
After graduation, Zimmerman joined Roche Diagnostics in Seattle, contributing to molecular engineering initiatives with a specialization in oligonucleotide synthesis and HPLC purification.
In 2022, she joined PPG as a research chemist at PPG focused on automotive adhesives and sealants. She transitioned to product development within a year, taking a hands-on role in formulating and driving new technologies to market.
In March 2025, Ingrid joined Albert Invent to bridge the gap between laboratory science and innovation enablement. At Albert, she leverages her diverse lab experience to help companies accelerate their R&D cycles and bring new products to market more efficiently.
Email: ingrid@albertinvent.com