Adhesive Technology Developer

tesa; Sparta (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

tesa Technology Developer leads development of hotmelt adhesive technologies, formulations, processing methods, and technology building blocks to support future growth. The role collaborates with global R&D teams to turn innovative concepts into scalable adhesive solutions.

Candidates typically hold a Bachelor's in Polymer Science/Engineering (Ph.D./M.S. preferred) with experience in adhesives, polymers, coating or elastomer systems, and strong lab/pilot-scale skills.

Qualifications

• Experience developing adhesive, polymer, coating, sealant, elastomer, or thermoplastic systems.
• Understanding of hotmelt PSA technology and thermoplastic elastomers (SIS, SBS, SEBS).
• Experience with natural rubber, polyolefin, and specialty polymer systems.
• Bachelor's degree required; Ph.D./M.S. preferred in related field.

Responsibilities

• Develops products, materials, processes, technology modules and methods within feasibility studies, business cases and projects.
• Coordinates and supervises pilot and production trials.
• Runs analytical equipment for sample characterization.
• Documents and reports on an international scale.
• Consults on projects as project participant and as Project Leader.
• Initiates and supports development projects.

Skills

Adhesive formulation

Polymer/Materials science

Analytical characterization

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science/Engineering or related

Ph.D. or M.S. preferred

Job description

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!

The Technology Developer is responsible for the development of hotmelt adhesive technologies, formulations, processing methods, and technology building blocks that support future product and business growth. The role focuses on adhesive formulation, compounding, extrusion processing, coating technologies, and analytical characterization. The person hired for this position will lead feasibility studies, support product development programs, and collaborate with global R&D teams to transform innovative concepts into scalable adhesive solutions.

How you'll help the formula:

Technology Development / Development of Building Blocks

• Develops products, materials, processes, technology modules and methods within the framework of feasibility studies, business cases and projects.
• Contributes to the build-up of basic knowledge and fundamental work.
• Performs experimental work (measurements, preparations of samples, plan and execute trials on lab and pilot scale)
• Coordinates and supervises pilot and production trials.
• Runs analytical equipment for sample characterization.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Project Work

• Consults on projects as project participant and in the role of a Project Leader.
• Initiates and supports development projects.

Knowledge Management

• Ensures the preservation and development of broad & in-depth knowledge by means of documentation.
• Documents and reports in written and verbal form on an international scale.

Intellectual Property and State of the Art Analysis / FTO Analysis

• Contributes and initiates patent applications.
• Carries out "State of the Art" analysis in consultation with the responsible colleagues.
• Supports the Patent Field Expert Teams.
• Supports FTO analysis from the technological perspective.

Networking

• Creates and maintains internal and external networks, focusing on technological relevant aspects (e.g. suppliers, vendors) as well as external collaborations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key elements for your role:

• Bachelors degree in: Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related technical discipline.Ph.D. or M.S.; preferred.
• Experience developing adhesive, polymer, coating, sealant, elastomer, or thermoplastic systems.
• Understanding of hotmelt PSA technology, Thermoplastic elastomers (SIS, SBS, SEBS).
• Natural rubber, polyolefin and specialty polymer systems experience.