Adhesives and Sealants R&D Lab Technician

DuPont; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DuPont in Auburn Hills, MI is seeking an R&D Technician to support adhesive product development alongside chemists and technicians. You will co-develop, lead lab work, and help scale up products for automotive applications.

The role requires strong lab skills, safety knowledge, and proficiency with MS Office and test equipment; occasional travel to customer sites may be needed. Join a collaborative team delivering innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a science-related field is required.
• Laboratory experience in an industrial or R&D environment.
• Familiarity with ASTM and SAE specifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word/Excel and test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop new adhesive products and applications.
• Lead lab work, including formulation plans, batch prep, sample tests, and results documentation.
• Collaborate to ensure successful scale-up within procedures and manufacturing constraints.
• Ensure product quality and maintain lab equipment; support quality audits.
• Troubleshoot issues with sales, R&D, and manufacturing teams; travel to customer sites as needed.
• Prepare adhesive batches and handle materials up to 50 lbs daily.
• Document daily notes and reports; maintain safety and housekeeping in labs.
• Champion AI/digital tools to streamline data collection and analysis.

Skills

Lab experience

Safety protocols

Problem-solving

Office software

Education

Associate's degree in science

Bachelor's degree in science (preferred)

Tools

Test equipment

CNC machines

Mixers

Measurement devices

Job description

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter. Whether it’s providing clean water to more than a billion people on the planet, producing materials that are essential in everyday technology devices from smartphones to electric vehicles, or protecting workers around the world. Discover the many reasons the world’s most talented people are choosing to work at DuPont. Why Join Us | DuPont Careers

DuPont is currently seeking skilled R&D Technicians to support new adhesive product development at our Auburn Hills, MI location.

This position is ideal for those who thrive in a collaborative environment, working alongside a core group of chemists, technicians, and customers to develop innovative adhesive solutions for automotive applications.

This hands-on role will challenge you both technically and creatively. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining technical credibility and professional relationships while delivering exceptional products to our customers.

Your key responsibilities will be/what you’ll do:

Under the direction of the Group Leader, the R&D Technician is responsible for the following:

• Co-develop new adhesive products and applications in structural adhesives, battery adhesives or other adhesive applications.
• Lead lab work, including preparing formulation plans, batch preparation, sample preparation, conducting necessary tests, and documenting/communicating results.
• Collaborate with the group leader to ensure successful scale-up of products following existing procedures and manufacturing constraints.
• Ensure product quality and performance standards align with customer requirements, staying current with performance specifications. Maintaining assigned lab equipment, including calibration, and documentation. Supporting quality audits.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in collaboration with sales, R&D, and manufacturing teams. Sometimes this may require travel to customer sites.
• Prepare adhesive batches, requiring daily lifting/moving of materials (up to 50 lbs)
• Conduct various tests on adhesives, including liquid property testing and mechanical property testing, ensuring proper documentation and communication with project leaders
• Organize and maintain inventory of raw materials and manage the lab environment, including cleaning and equipment calibration.
• Write and maintain daily project notes, technical reports, and documentation compliant with quality systems. Participate actively in site safety programs, maintaining proper housekeeping in assigned areas.
• Champion AI/Digital tools to streamline work requests, data collection, and analysis.

Your qualifications profile:

Required:

• Associate's degree in a Science-related field.
• Previous working laboratory experience in an industrial or R&D environment.
• Familiarity with laboratory practices and safety protocols, including ASTM and SAE specifications, is essential.
• Excellent technical aptitude with strong multi-tasking, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel) and familiarity with test and measurement equipment.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in a Science-related field.
• Experience working with equipment such as mixers, laboratory instruments, and CNC machines.

Join our Talent Community to stay connected with us!

DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.

DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.