Senior R&D Engineer

Shurtape Industrial; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Shurtape Technologies, LLC is seeking a Senior Scientist/Engineer to lead R&D efforts in pressure sensitive adhesive development and process optimization. You will partner with NPD teams to design formulations, evaluate structure-property relationships and support scale-up for new PSA tapes and related products.

The role involves conducting experimental studies, applying DOE, and translating findings into actionable product improvements while collaborating with Marketing and Manufacturing for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, or Materials Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 10-15 years of experience.
• Strong background in applied polymer science (physical, chemical, material and rheological characterization of polymers; interpretation of GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, DMA data/graph).
• Experience with PSA adhesives, polymeric coatings, and UV/E-beam curing technology.
• Knowledge of polymer melt processing methods, experience with rubber, polyolefins and acrylic processing, adhesive formulations, and design and compounding of multi-component blend formulations.
• Ability to work independently, as well as to collaborate effectively in a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to business, technical and operating groups.
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and manage multiple projects demonstrating excellent time management skills, prioritization and a sense of urgency in carrying out project objectives.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate options and converge on a solution quickly.
• Passion for innovation and a high degree of curiosity.
• Experience leading new technology development teams a plus.
• Working knowledge of statistics, including Design of Experiments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high standard of safety performance including conducting all job duties in a safe manner and following the 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.
• Conduct research into the structure, properties and performance of pressure sensitive adhesives and their interaction with additives, tape constructions and substrates to improve product design.
• Manage new product development and research projects including establishing goals, objectives and execution plan, using DOE methods as required; establish specifications for product performance, processing parameters, and raw materials in the creation of new products; and document project results in technical reports.
• Support of 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 an awareness of external product and process technology developments, including those of competitors, through external networks (academia, suppliers, customers, research institutes, etc.), literature study, and technical meetings and conferences and incorporate this information into the design and development of new products.

Skills

Polymer science

Rheology

GPC/DSC/FTIR/SEM

DOE

Project leadership

Communication

Time management

Statistics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science

Tools

GPC

DSC

TGA

FTIR

SEM

DMA

Job description

Summary Of Position

The Senior Scientist/Engineer will work with New Product Development (NPD) teams to study the structure and properties of pressure sensitive adhesives and how the manufacturing processes affects product performance with the goal of developing critical information needed in the design, development and scale-up of PSA tapes and related products. This position serves as a source of product/process technology knowledge in multiple areas. The Senior Scientist/Engineer will work with Marketing and Manufacturing to support core business needs such as complaint resolutions, Voice-of-the-Customer activities and cost-reduction initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a high standard of safety performance including conducting all job duties in a safe manner and following the 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.
• Conduct research into the structure, properties and performance of pressure sensitive adhesives and their interaction with additives, tape constructions and substrates to improve product design.
• Manage new product development and research projects including establishing goals, objectives and execution plan, using DOE methods as required; establish specifications for product performance, processing parameters, and raw materials in the creation of new products; and document project results in technical reports.
• Support of 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 an awareness of external product and process technology developments, including those of competitors, through external networks (academia, suppliers, customers, research institutes, etc.), literature study, and technical meetings and conferences and incorporate this information into the design and development of new products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, or Materials Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 10-15 years of experience.
• Strong background in applied polymer science (physical, chemical, material and rheological characterization of polymers; interpretation of GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, DMA data/graph).
• Experience with PSA adhesives, polymeric coatings, and UV/E-beam curing technology.
• Knowledge of polymer melt processing methods, experience with rubber, polyolefins and acrylic processing, adhesive formulations, and design and compounding of multi-component blend formulations.
• Ability to work independently, as well as to collaborate effectively in a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to business, technical and operating groups.
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and manage multiple projects demonstrating excellent time management skills, prioritization and a sense of urgency in carrying out project objectives.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate options and converge on a solution quickly.
• Passion for innovation and a high degree of curiosity.
• Experience leading new technology development teams a plus.
• Working knowledge of statistics, including Design of Experiments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our office is designed to bring people together. It's an open, collaborative space where creativity and teamwork thrive. We believe the best ideas come from shared conversations and we encourage our teams to work closely and support one another. To help everyone do their best work, we provide a comfortable and well-equipped workspace, foster team building through activities and social events, and prioritize work-life balance, further helping our employees achieve their personal and professional goals. Our company culture values innovation, inclusivity and a positive attitude, with the contributions of each employee driving our overall success.

Shurtape Technologies, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Assertive 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.