Polymer Chemist

Specialty Tapes; Franksville (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

STM Headquarters in Franksville, WI seeks an industrial lab chemist to develop, modify, and test adhesive formulations for tape applications. You will perform chemical testing on mixed adhesives, document results, and ensure quality standards while supporting safety practices.

This role blends hands-on lab work with formulation development and collaboration across coating and quality teams to translate laboratory results into manufacturing performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Careful documentation, strong organization, and attention to detail.
• The ability to communicate findings clearly and collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar reporting software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and test adhesive compounds and formulations for tape applications; select and adapt testing methods using sound scientific judgment.
• Perform chemical testing on mixed adhesives and coated tapes to support quality control, quality assurance, and compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze results, prepare clear laboratory reports, and maintain accurate project records; review reports for accuracy and professional standards.
• Partner with Coating and Quality teams to identify and recommend improvements in product quality, cost-effectiveness, process performance, and safety.
• Operate, maintain, and test laboratory equipment; troubleshoot failures and perform or recommend repairs.
• Write standard operating procedures and safety materials, and provide chemical laboratory management coverage when needed.
• Follow environmental, health, and safety requirements, including proper chemical handling, storage, and disposal; stay current on applicable regulations and best practices.

Skills

Chemistry knowledge

Analytical skills

Documentation

Clear communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

Industrial Lab | Adhesives and Tape Coatings | STM
Location: STM Headquarters, Franksville, WI
Starting pay: $35–$38 per hour
Schedule: 32 hours per week, Monday–Friday
Put your chemistry knowledge to work developing and improving adhesives for industrial tapes. At STM, you will create and test formulations, evaluate product quality, and work directly with our Coating and Quality teams to connect laboratory results with manufacturing performance.
This role combines hands-on laboratory work, formulation development, and practical problem-solving. Your work will help improve product consistency, process efficiency, and safe chemical handling.

Why join STM

• See the impact of your work in the adhesives and coated tapes we produce.
• Work across formulation development, chemical testing, quality assurance, and process improvement.
• Continue building your skills through career development and continuing education programs.

What you will do

• Develop, modify, and test adhesive compounds and formulations for tape applications; select and adapt testing methods using sound scientific judgment.
• Perform chemical testing on mixed adhesives and coated tapes to support quality control, quality assurance, and compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze results, prepare clear laboratory reports, and maintain accurate project records; review reports prepared by supporting staff for accuracy and professional standards.
• Partner with Coating and Quality teams to identify and recommend improvements in product quality, cost-effectiveness, process performance, and safety.
• Operate, maintain, and test laboratory equipment; troubleshoot failures and perform or recommend repairs.
• Write standard operating procedures and safety materials, and provide chemical laboratory management coverage when needed.
• Follow environmental, health, and safety requirements, including proper chemical handling, storage, and disposal; stay current on applicable regulations and best practices.
• Support additional laboratory and department needs as assigned.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry required.
• A thorough understanding of chemical testing and processes, with strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Careful documentation, strong organization, and attention to detail.
• The ability to communicate findings clearly and collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar reporting software, plus the ability to learn laboratory testing and analysis applications.

Preferred qualifications

Experience with polymers, adhesives, or coating processes; a master’s degree is a plus. These qualifications are preferred, not required.

Benefits and rewards

• Performance-based pay increases at 90-day, 6-month, and 12-month milestones.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance; a Health Savings Account with company contributions.
• 401(k) with a generous company match and a $25,000 company-paid life insurance policy.
• Paid Time Off days annually, with vacation time increasing based on tenure, plus paid service days for volunteering.
• Tenure-based wellness and experience rewards, continuing education programs, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Voluntary short- and long-term disability, accident, hospital indemnity, additional life, and AD&D insurance.

About STM

STM is part of the AMTRACO family of companies. Our work includes adhesive formulations and coated tapes, bringing chemistry and manufacturing together to support product quality and performance. AMTRACO and its operating units are equal opportunity employers committed to an inclusive workplace. We operate a drug-free workplace. All new hires must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.