Lead Adhesives & Sealants Scientist

PPG; Adrian (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Disability/Leave

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

PPG is seeking a senior specialist at our Adrian, MI site to manage special adhesives and sealants projects, including root‑cause analysis and formula revisions. You will coordinate with Operations, Quality, and Optima to drive launches, scale‑up activities, and customer communication while supporting NA growth and existing accounts.

The role requires a PhD or BS/MS with substantial industrial experience in adhesives, strong leadership, and the ability to work independently within

Qualifications

• PhD or BS/MS with substantial industrial experience in adhesives and sealants required.
• Hands-on research and leadership experience in industrial settings.
• Strong root cause analysis methodologies and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication across levels and functions.
• Ability to independently scope and execute projects and lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience designing and developing experiments based on statistical principles.
• Experience interacting with internal and external customers a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage special adhesives and sealants projects.
• Conduct root cause analysis to resolve customer-reported issues.
• Revise commercial formulas as needed.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, and Optima teams.
• Facilitate product launches through Secure Launch process involvement.
• Develop technical expertise in product scale-up and launch activities.
• Build relationships with technical leaders and stakeholders.
• Present technologies, test reports, and strategies to customers.
• Support growth strategies and maintain existing accounts.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed (~10%).

Skills

Hands-on research

Leadership

Root cause analysis

Communication

Independent projects

Experimental design

Cross-functional

Customer development

Education

PhD in chemistry/polymer science/coatings/material science/engineering with 1–3 years industrial experience

BS/MS in similar fields with 5–7 years industrial experience

Job description

PPG is seeking a senior specialist at our Adrian, MI site to manage special adhesives and sealants projects, including root‑cause analysis and formula revisions. You will coordinate with Operations, Quality, and Optima to drive launches, scale‑up activities, and customer communication while supporting NA growth and existing accounts.

The role requires a PhD or BS/MS with substantial industrial experience in adhesives, strong leadership, and the ability to work independently within