Lead Coatings Applications Engineer - Flexible Packaging

Henkel; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Work‑Life Balance

Financial benefits (bonus, 401k)

Family Support

Career Growth

Job summary

Henkel in the United States seeks an experienced coatings technical advisor to lead demonstrations, trials, and troubleshooting at customer sites. You will bridge customers with product development, manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and marketing to tailor coating solutions for substrates and processes.

The role emphasizes hands-on coating methods, problem-solving, and strong communication, with up to 60% travel in the USA and occasional international assignments, supporting growth in Adhesive

Qualifications

• This role requires a coatings-focused background and hands-on experience with coating methods and equipment.
• Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot coating performance and process variability.
• Ability to translate customer needs into practical coating recommendations and trial plans.
• Willingness to travel up to ~60% in USA and occasional MX/CAN with planning for work-life balance.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted technical partner by leading coatings demonstrations, trials, troubleshooting, and training at customer sites.
• Serve as liaison between customers and internal teams to translate needs into actionable requirements.
• Provide timely technical support including product recommendations and substrate evaluations.
• Plan and communicate laboratory and pilot-scale requests to support customer projects.
• Prepare reports summarizing trial results and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Contribute coatings expertise through customer engagement and professional networks.
• Lead by example in safety and complete site safety requirements.
• Develop technical and professional skills through ongoing learning and mentoring.

Skills

Hands-on coating methods

People skills

Organization skills

Travel readiness

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering / Materials Science / Chemistry / Polymer Science / Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

Gravure

Slot die

Roll coating

Mayer rod

Laminator/coater

Drying & curing conditions

Job description

Henkel in the United States seeks an experienced coatings technical advisor to lead demonstrations, trials, and troubleshooting at customer sites. You will bridge customers with product development, manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and marketing to tailor coating solutions for substrates and processes.

The role emphasizes hands-on coating methods, problem-solving, and strong communication, with up to 60% travel in the USA and occasional international assignments, supporting growth in Adhesive