Technical Services Leader — Lab Ops & Field Support

Sika AG; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and development

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Sika Australia Pty Ltd is seeking a seasoned Technical Lead for Lab Operations and customer on-site support. You will drive the technical services strategy, oversee lab testing and evaluations, and guide product selection and application methods across industry segments.

The role requires leading technical teams, strong communication, and willingness to travel for on-site trials and customer support. Competitive salary and ongoing training are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Technical Service, Application Engineering, or R&D within specialty chemicals, adhesives, sealants, or industrial/automotive materials.
• Practical knowledge of adhesive and sealant application technologies, substrate compatibility, structural bonding, façade/fenestration, or automotive/industrial manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams, lab operations, and cross-functional technical projects.
• Excellent consultative presentation, troubleshooting, and stakeholder-facing skills, with the willingness to travel for on-site trials and customer support.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the technical services strategy aligned with Industry target market objectives.
• Oversee laboratory testing, substrate compatibility/adhesion evaluations, durability testing, and application equipment/robotic simulations.
• Provide expert guidance on product selection, joint design, surface preparation, and application methods across Industry segments.
• Lead on-site customer trials, mock-ups, plant audits, and production-line validations.
• Deliver rapid root-cause analysis (RCA), troubleshooting, and corrective actions for application challenges.
• Partner with Sales, BDMs, and R&D to translate technical expertise into commercial success and secured specifications.
• Manage product validation documentation and compliance approvals (including PPAP for automotive/industrial accounts).
• Provide actionable customer feedback and market insights to R&D and Product Management for NPD.
• Prioritize lab projects, resource allocation, and workflow management to ensure rapid turnaround times.
• Actively collaborate with regional and global technical networks and Competence Centres to leverage best practices.

Skills

Technical leadership

Presentation skills

Troubleshooting

Stakeholder management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Sika Australia Pty Ltd is seeking a seasoned Technical Lead for Lab Operations and customer on-site support. You will drive the technical services strategy, oversee lab testing and evaluations, and guide product selection and application methods across industry segments.

The role requires leading technical teams, strong communication, and willingness to travel for on-site trials and customer support. Competitive salary and ongoing training are offered.