Applications Specialist, R&D

ICP Group; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ICP Group, a leading coatings and adhesives manufacturer, seeks an Application Specialist for its Lynchburg, VA plant. You will conduct research on product formulas in a lab, assist in application testing with sales, and document results.

Travel with sales to support product usage and opportunities may be involved. The role requires a high school diploma or GED with 1–2 years in quality control or equivalent lab experience, plus a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field.

Qualifications

• Requires strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures precisely.
• Experience in quality control or lab environments is preferred.
• Solid data handling and documentation abilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools and basic data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lab safety and PPE compliance in daily activities.
• Support pre-qualification of formulas and application testing with sales.
• Conduct small-scale manufacturing batches and prepare samples for testing.
• Document test methodologies, results, and recommendations.
• Assist in technical service calls and on-site vendor visits as needed.
• Organize and present testing data using spreadsheets and reports.
• Support QC and Production teams as needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of lab spaces.

Skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Detail oriented

Organized

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Innovative Chemical Products Group (ICP Group) is a leading formulator and manufacturer of specialty coatings, adhesives, and sealants serving the building and construction end markets. Founded in 2015 by a private equity firm, ICP Group has scaled rapidly through organic and acquisition growth into one of the largest coatings, adhesives, and sealants companies in North America providing products which encompass the “building envelope” from roof to flooring and outdoor spaces. ICP Group is headquartered in Andover, MA and Tampa, FL and has manufacturing and distribution sites in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and Japan.

ICP Group is looking to hire an Application Specialist to work out of our Lynchburg, VA plant. You will work in a laboratory setting to conduct research on new or existing product formulas with minimal supervision and occasionally travel with sales to assist in proper product usage and application. Typical projects will include pre-qualification of R&D formulas, customer and sales support for application testing, development, and new business opportunities, evaluation and reporting of competitive products, and trialing formulas for gathering of important product-specific properties. The Application Specialist is expected to design and document all projects and to be familiar with all appropriate product performance application methods, performance testing methods, QC test procedures, and factory processes. Other duties may include sample preparation and occasional R&D Development Support.

The scope of products supported by this position can range from solvent-based contact adhesives, spray contact adhesives, water-based adhesives, and air-assisted spray adhesives for use on a wealth of applications including but not limited to roofing, laminates, shoe repair, and in-line processes.

This position is based in Lynchburg, VA.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict adherence to all plant safety requirements including wearing proper PPE at the jobsite
• Knowledge of and adherence to all requirements of company quality system, including design control and application testing
• Manage/lead less complex developmental projects with regular updates to relevant stakeholders (such as manager, sales, and so on)
• Perform small scale manufacturing batches / experimental formulas, including filling cylinders as needed
• Perform testing and application of adhesives (viscosity, solids, bond, open time, SAFT, peel) on select substrates according to established procedures or specific instructions
• Generate reports outlining test methodology, results, and recommendations, and align with R&D and sales on delivery
• Represent ICP for Technical Service calls and accompany sales for onsite visits with external vendors
• Data acquisition, recordkeeping, filing, and organization of related materials, electronic or otherwise
• Ability to organize testing data in Excel or other applications and present data to others
• Lead and manage technical service requests to support the commercial team
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization of all related work areas
• Maintain chemical storage, including lab environment, in accordance with safety guidelines
• Complete assignments and projects to the best of your ability based on established procedures
• Assist QC and Production as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• One to two years’ quality control experience is required
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both written and verbal
• Must be able to multi-task effectively, close the loop, and follow specific instructions (work instructions, procedures, etc.)
• Must be self-motivated, organized, and detail oriented
• Must be able to communicate effectively with peers and management
• Must be able to work in a non-temperature regulated environment
• MS Word, Excel, and Outlook software proficiency requiredIter