Principal R&D Scientist

Shurtape Industrial; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for personal growth

Collaborative work environment

Focus on continuous improvement

Job summary

Shurtape Industrial is looking for a Principal Scientist/Engineer to contribute to new product development. This role involves collaborating with various teams and external partners to innovate pressure sensitive adhesive products, requiring 15+ years of expertise in PSA tape technologies.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and strong problem-solving abilities. This role promotes a collaborative environment and values innovative ideas.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of direct experience in PSA tape technologies.
• Strong understanding of pressure sensitive adhesives and their interaction with additives.
• Demonstrated project management ability.

Responsibilities

• Work with NPD teams to design adhesive and barrier formulations.
• Develop and commercialize PSA tapes and related products.
• Manage research projects and document results.

Skills

PSA tape technologies

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering

Tools

GPC

DSC

TGA

FTIR

DMA

Job description

Summary of Position

The Principal Scientist/Engineer will work with New Product Development (NPD) teams, executive leadership in Research & Development (R&D), Manufacturing, Marketing and Materials Management to build upon product and process expertise to identify, research, and scale up new technologies or deepen the understanding of existing technologies leading to the enhancement of the product or process technology portfolio. The position requires extensive knowledge of the research and patent literature, a strong technical network of suppliers and other research-based entities, and an awareness of new technology developments in the PSA tape industry and related fields. Innovation in planning, executing, and analyzing data in nonroutine studies where procedures must frequently be created or modified is critical.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a high standard of safety performance, including handling, storage and disposal of materials in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Work with NPD teams in designing pressure sensitive adhesive, back size/release and barrier formulations and coating methods.
• Develop an understanding of current and targeted PSA tape applications and the unmet needs of users by working with external partners to identify and implement solutions.
• Work closely with suppliers and external technology providers to develop, scale‑up and commercialize PSA tapes and related products, and refine current product designs.
• Manage new product development and research projects, establishing goals, objectives and execution plans; use DOE methods as required; establish specifications for product performance, processing parameters and raw materials; document results in technical reports.
• Support research work with strong analysis of the patent and research literature.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property as determined by the business and product innovation strategies.
• Maintain awareness of external product and process technology developments related to PSA tape technology, including those of competitors, through external networks, literature study and technical meetings and conferences, and incorporate this information into new product development.
• Provide technical plant support for technology scale‑up and ongoing troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of direct experience in PSA tape technologies.
• Ability to travel (15% of time) to domestic and foreign locations.
• Strong understanding of how to use the structure, properties and performance of pressure sensitive adhesives and their interaction with additives, tape constructions and substrates to develop new or improve existing products.
• Expertise in the physical, chemical, material and rheological characterization of polymers, including interpretation of GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and DMA data.
• Ability to use innovation in planning, executing and analyzing data in nonroutine studies.
• Strong technical network of suppliers, testing labs, universities and other entities to enable effective problem solving and evaluation of new technologies.
• Proven track record of collaborating with Sales, Marketing and customers to identify unmet market needs and develop new products to meet those needs.
• Demonstrated project management ability to plan and meet deadlines as evidenced by leading NPD project teams and large corporate initiatives.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to evaluate options and converge on a solution quickly.
• Strong communication skills, including coaching and mentoring others.
• Passion for innovation and a high degree of curiosity.
• Strong knowledge of statistics, including design of experiments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to business, technical and operating groups, including senior executives.

Job Requirements

• Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to sit, stand and work in front of a laptop or PC workstation for extended periods.
• Some light lifting may be required.
• Manual dexterity for completion of technical tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The office is open and collaborative, designed to foster teamwork and creativity. Travel may be involved to visit company facilities, suppliers and customers.

Benefits

• A company that truly values your contributions.
• A place where you can grow, make an impact, and be part of something meaningful.
• A focus on excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring we deliver top‑quality, reliable solutions to our customers.
• An environment where employees are encouraged to bring their best ideas forward and adopt a growth mindset.

Shurtape Technologies, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. Shurtape Technologies, LLC does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including identity & expression), medical condition, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business requirement.