UV Curable Coatings Specialist

Talent STEM Ltd; Lamesley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist scientific recruitment consultancy is seeking an experienced UV Curable Coatings Specialist to join a UK-based manufacturer. This role involves formulating and optimising UV-curable coatings for decorative polymer applications. Candidates should have a degree in Chemistry or a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience. The position offers a salary up to £50,000 and the chance to significantly influence product innovation in a stable environment.

Benefits

Salary up to £50,000 per annum

Influence on product innovation

Stable manufacturing environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ industrial coatings experience.
• Experience with UV lacquers is highly desirable.
• Background in decorative films or similar products is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and optimise UV-curable coatings.
• Lead development activities for decorative polymer films.
• Conduct laboratory testing and provide technical support.

Skills

Hands-on experience with UV-curable coating systems

Laboratory formulation skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Materials Science

Job description

Talent STEM, a specialist scientific and engineering recruitment consultancy, is supporting a UK-based manufacturer in the decorative polymer and surface coatings sector to appoint an experienced UV Curable Coatings Specialist to join its New Product Development team. This role is strictly for candidates with hands‑on experience in UV‑curable coating systems.

The Role

You will be responsible for developing and optimising UV‑curable coatings for decorative polymer films, supporting new product introduction and continuous improvement initiatives. The role combines laboratory‑based formulation work with close collaboration across manufacturing and customer‑facing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate, develop, and optimise UV‑curable coatings, including UV lacquers, excimer systems, and 2K lacquers
• Lead coating development activities for decorative polymer film and surface applications
• Develop water‑based inks and primers to enhance coating performance and sustainability
• Introduce new functional and aesthetic surface features aligned with market and customer needs
• Support new product development from concept through to qualification and approval
• Conduct laboratory testing and performance evaluation of coatings and surfaces
• Provide technical support to manufacturing during trials, scale‑up, and routine production
• Support customers with technical advice on coating application and troubleshooting

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or a related discipline
• Minimum 5 years’ industrial coatings experience, with direct, hands‑on exposure to UV‑curable coating systems
• Experience with UV lacquers is highly desirable
• Background in LVT flooring, decorative films, or similar polymer‑based surface products is advantageous
• Experience supporting new product development and process optimisation
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally

Benefits

• Salary up to £50,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• Technically focused NPD role with real influence on product innovation
• Stable manufacturing environment with long‑term product development focus

To discuss opportunity further, please get in touch with Graeme Pallas or Russell Oakley at Talent STEM to learn more.