Junior Application Technician - Elastomer Coatings & Rubber to Substrates

Stahl; Apex (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Stahl is seeking a Junior Application Technician to support elastomer coatings and bonding systems in the laboratory. This early‑career role offers hands‑on exposure to formulation evaluation, coating methods, and performance testing while supporting Technical Sales, R&D, and Manufacturing.

You’ll gain experience across preparation, testing, and documentation, with opportunities to contribute to TSR projects and learn in a collaborative lab environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, or related field, or equivalent lab experience.
• 0–3 years of laboratory work involving coatings, adhesives, polymers, elastomers, or related materials (internships included).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Must be able to follow established procedures and work under moderate supervision.

Responsibilities

• Prepare elastomer-based coating and adhesive samples under guidance from senior technical staff.
• Apply coatings using pad bath, knife-over-roll, gravure, or other application methods as required.
• Conduct physical, mechanical, and chemical performance testing on coated or bonded substrates.
• Assist with scaling up new or modified formulations into production when needed.
• Support TSR projects by completing lab work and recording results accurately.
• Maintain accurate project files, test records, documentation, and samples.
• Assist in troubleshooting customer application issues by preparing samples and performing directed testing.
• Collaborate with Technical Service Group, Quality Control, and Production teams as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work areas.
• Participate in team meetings and share observations or test results with Technical Sales and R&D.

Skills

Basic computer proficiency

SAP experience

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate degree or related lab experience

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Junior Application Technician – Elastomer Coatings & Rubber to Substrates

Position Summary

The Junior Application Technician supports the Performance Coatings business by preparing, applying, and testing elastomer coatings, adhesives, and bonding systems in the laboratory. This role assists Technical Sales, R&D, and Manufacturing by performing application work, maintaining lab documentation, and supporting customer‑focused technical projects.

This position is designed for an early‑career technical professional with an interest in coatings, adhesives, polymers, or materials science. The technician will develop hands‑on expertise in formulation evaluation, application techniques, and performance testing.

Some domestic travel may be required for training

Reasonable Accommodations

Stahl USA must be notified if reasonable accommodations are required to perform essential job functions. Efforts will be made to reasonably accommodate employees provided it does not cause undue hardship. Accommodations may include:

• Modifications to equipment or devices
• Making the work environment accessible to individuals with disabilitie

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include the following; other responsibilities may be assigned by Management or Leadership.

• Prepare elastomer‑based coating and adhesive samples under guidance from senior technical staff.
• Apply coatings using pad bath, knife‑over‑roll, gravure, or other application methods as required.
• Conduct physical, mechanical, and chemical performance testing on coated or bonded substrates.
• Assist with scaling up new or modified formulations into production when needed.
• Support Technical Service Request (TSR) projects by completing lab work and recording results accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain accurate project files, test records, documentation, and samples.
• Assist in troubleshooting customer application issues by preparing samples and performing directed testing.
• Collaborate with the Technical Service Group, Quality Control, and Production teams as needed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe laboratory work areas.
• Participate in team meetings and share observations or test results with Technical Sales and R&D.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, or related field OR relevant laboratory experience.
• 0-3 years of experience in laboratory work involving coatings, adhesives, polymers, elastomers, or related materials (internships included).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Must be able to follow established procedures and work under moderate supervision.

Language Skills

Effective oral and written communication skills are required.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic calculations; must maintain clear and legible records.

Computer Skills

• Basic computer proficiency required
• SAP experience preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described represent those necessary to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
This position may require extended periods of standing.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics represent those encountered while performing essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
The employee must be able to work independently, multitask effectively, and function in a laboratory environment with moderate noise levels.

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities or skills required.

Stahl – Touching lives, for a better world

Joining Stahl means becoming part of a talented, diverse community of more than 1,700 talented professionals/employees. Around the world, our people are the driving force behind our three core business lines – Performance Coatings, Leather Finishing and Packaging Coatings – and our 14production sites, 30+ application laboratories, and network of sales offices in 23 countries.

Their innovation, hard work and dedication have made Stahl the world leader in speciality coatings for flexible materials. Our products protect what is precious to people, enhancing the consumer experience and adding value to the materials used in countless industries – from automotive and apparel to luxury goods, footwear, packaging and home furnishings.

As the invisible force behind everyday material, Stahl products are touched by people every day. And when people touch our products, we touch their lives. That's why Stahl colleagues around the world are driven by a shared purpose: Touching lives, for a better world.

We are guided by our ESG Roadmap, which sets out our sustainability ambitions for 2030 and beyond. These include firm emission‑reduction targets aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and our commitment to working with our value chain partners to create a better world for future generations.

Application deadline: 9/30/2026

Job Function: Performance Coatings

Job Category: Performance Coatings

Department: Performance Coatings - lab support

Job Location: USA - Apex