Adhesive Product Developer - Automotive

Page Mechanical Group, Inc.; Sparta (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

tesa is seeking an Adhesive Product Developer for Automotive to lead the design and development of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes. You will collaborate with international R&D and marketing teams, ensure manufacturability, and deliver customer-focused solutions.

Responsibilities include managing projects from concept to trials, developing materials (adhives, backings, primers), and supporting co-development with customers to expand applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science; PhD preferred.
• Strong analytical and process-oriented thinking with a systematic approach and high technical aptitude.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Sales, Production).
• Willingness to travel up to 15% and perform lifting when needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop adhesive tapes for automotive applications, focusing on existing product improvements and new offerings.
• Lead and manage innovative product development projects from concept to completion.
• Create, test, and evaluate prototypes; communicate findings to stakeholders and link performance to requirements.
• Drive formulation development (adhesives, backings, primers, liners) and define relevant test methods.
• Lead co-development projects with customers to create new products or expand applications.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional teamwork

Effective communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor or Master in Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

PhD preferred

Job description

Adhesive Product Developer - Automotive

Location: Sparta, MI

Function: Research & Development

Are you ready to revolutionize tape with us?

At tesa, we’re not just colleagues; we’re collaborators who thrive on pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Our mission is to create sustainable adhesive solutions that improve the work, products, and lives of our customers -we’re passionate about making a difference!

tesa is a leading global manufacturer of adhesive solutions for industrial and commercial applications, and we are seeking a skilled Product Developer (PD) for our Automotive business. In this role, you will lead the design and development of innovative pressure-sensitive adhesive tape solutions for automotive applications—working closely with cross-functional partners to ensure strong product performance, manufacturability, and customer value. The PD works closely with the international R&D groups in Hamburg and China, and with the relevant national and international marketing groups, as well as serving as a liaison with both sales and customers.

How you’ll help the formula:

• Develop adhesive tapes focused on the automotive (EV battery) market, working on both the enhancement of existing products and the expansion of new offerings in close collaboration with product management, process development, sales teams and key customers.
• Lead and manage innovative product development projects from initial concept to final completion.
• Create, build, and evaluate prototypes (lab, pilot, and production trials) and communicate findings clearly to key stakeholders—linking performance to customer requirements and application use-cases.
• Drive material and formulation development (e.g., adhesive systems, backings, primers, release liners) and define test methods relevant to target applications.
• Lead co-development projects with selected customers, resulting in new products or expanded application fields.
• Actively participate in tech days, trade fairs, and open house events.
• Analyze competitive solutions and market trends to shape product strategy and maintain a competitive edge.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key elements for your role:

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science; PhD preferred.
• Strong analytical and process-oriented thinking with a systematic approach and high technical aptitude.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams (R&D, Business, Marketing, Sales, Production, Quality, and external partners).
• Requires normal lifting, use of both hands, correctable vision and lack of colour-blindness.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.