R&D Technician

Avery Dennison; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness benefits starting on

Paid parental leave

401K eligibility

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Avery Dennison is seeking an R&D Technician for its Reflective Solutions group in North America, based in Niles, IL. The role involves leading electroforming operations, supporting optical tooling, and performing measurements to scale up production while collaborating with engineers and technicians to meet project deadlines.

We value hands-on problem solving, attention to detail, and safety-minded teamwork as we develop life-saving reflective solutions for global roadways and customers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical certificate preferred
• 2–3 years hands-on experience in nickel electroforming or electroplating preferred
• Proven experience in substrate preparation, cleaning, and surface treatment
• Strong attention to detail and high standards for product quality
• Experience with anodizing, PVD, e-coating, electropolishing or related finishing tech is a plus
• Basic knowledge of chemistry and mathematics

Responsibilities

• Maintain R&D electroforming tanks and perform chemical maintenance to ensure process stability
• Perform plating bath analysis and stress measurements for high product quality
• Prepare, clean, and inspect optical parts before electroforming
• Set up, operate, and monitor electroforming processes
• Identify, report, and troubleshoot routine issues in electroplating workflows
• Collect and document accurate test data with calibrated equipment
• Collaborate with R&D team to deliver high-quality optical parts on schedule
• Assist with tooling production group tasks as needed
• Work with cross-functional R&D engineers and technicians

Skills

Nickel electroforming

Surface finishing

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Safety conscious

Education

Associate degree or technical certificate in chemistry/chemical engineering

Tools

Nickel electroforming equipment

PVD / e-coating

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste and mitigate loss, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2025 were $8.9 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:

• Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
• Paid parental leave
• 401K eligibility
• Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
• Paid vacation and Paid holidays

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste and mitigate loss, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2025 were $8.9 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:

• Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
• Paid parental leave
• 401K eligibility
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
• Paid vacation and Paid holidays

Job Description

Avery Dennison is seeking an R&D Technician to join our Reflective Solutions business in North America. In this role, you will play a vital part in a fast-growing team dedicated to manufacturing innovative, life‑saving reflective solutions that make global roadways safer. We pride ourselves on a values‑based culture centered on safety, teamwork, respect, and mutual support. Working alongside experienced electroforming, optics and laser engineers, you will lead electroforming operations and support optical and laser tooling developments. You will learn to perform optical measurements to drive tooling scale‑up, development, and continuous improvement across R&D projects. Based at our Niles, IL facility, you will report directly to the Electroplating Manager. The ideal candidate possesses a strong hands‑on aptitude, technical problem‑solving skills, creativity, and keen attention to detail.

Shift: 1st Shift, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Starting Hiring Rate: $24.24/hr

Responsibilities:

• Maintain R&D electroforming tanks, including but not limited to chemical maintenance, anode adds, anode basket maintenance, filter changes, etc. to ensure process stability and repeatability.
• Perform plating bath analysis and stress measurements to maintain high product quality.
• Prepare, clean, and inspect optical parts/substrates prior to electroforming.
• Set up, operate, and monitor electroforming processes.
• Identify, report, and troubleshoot routine issues in electroplating workflows.
• Separate, clean, and thoroughly inspect finished parts following electroforming.
• Collect and document accurate test data using calibrated analytical equipment, including thickness gauges, spot photometers, and other optical measurement devices.
• Collaborate with the R&D team to deliver high-quality optical parts within established project timelines.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional R&D engineers, technicians, and team members.
• Assist with operational tasks in the tooling production group and broader R&D department as needed.

Safety:

• Adhere strictly to all Avery Dennison health, safety, and environmental policies, protocols, and standards.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping habits to ensure a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Actively participate in all mandatory safety training sessions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree or technical certificate in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related technical field is strongly preferred.
• 2–3 years of hands‑on experience in nickel electroforming or electroplating preferred.
• Proven practical experience in substrate preparation, cleaning, and surface treatment
• processes.
• Strong attention to detail and high standards for product quality.
• Experience with anodizing, physical vapor deposition (PVD), e‑coating, electropolishing, or related surface finishing technology is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry and mathematics
• Proficiency with digital tools, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High reliability with demonstrated punctuality and commitment to deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs.

Additional Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, Avery Dennison requires all final candidates to successfully complete a comprehensive background check and a drug screening. These checks are conducted post‑offer and are a condition of employment. All results will be considered in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

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