Adhesives and Sealants R&D Lab Technician

DuPont; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

DuPont is seeking a skilled R&D Technician in Auburn Hills, MI to support new adhesive product development. You will work with chemists, technicians, and customers to create innovative adhesive solutions for automotive applications.

The role involves hands-on lab work, scale-up collaboration, and maintaining quality, safety, and documentation in a dynamic team setting. A science-related Associate's degree and lab experience are required, with preferred Bachelor’s degree and experience with lab

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a science-related field.
• Lab experience in an industrial or R&D environment.
• Familiarity with 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.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop new adhesive products and applications in structural adhesives, battery adhesives or other adhesive applications.
• Lead lab work, including formulation plans, batch preparation, testing, and documenting results.
• Collaborate with the group leader to ensure successful scale-up of products within procedures and manufacturing constraints.
• Ensure product quality and performance align with customer requirements; maintain calibration and support audits.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with sales, R&D, and manufacturing teams; travel to customer sites as needed.
• Prepare adhesive batches with daily lifting/moving up to 50 lbs.
• Conduct tests on adhesives, including liquid property and mechanical property testing; document results.
• Organize and maintain raw material inventory and lab cleanliness; calibrate equipment.
• Write daily project notes and technical reports compliant with quality systems.

Skills

Laboratory experience

ASTM/SAE knowledge

Problem solving

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Associate's degree in science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Laboratory instruments

Calibration equipment

CNC machines

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.

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