Senior R&D Engineer

Shurtape Technologies, LLC; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Shurtape Technologies, LLC in North America is seeking a Senior Scientist/Engineer to partner with New Product Development teams to study pressure sensitive adhesives and how manufacturing processes affect performance, guiding design, scale‑up and product improvements.

You will support Marketing and Manufacturing, help resolve complaints, contribute to cost-reduction and build intellectual property, applying DOE and analytical methods in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a relevant science/engineering field.
• Strong background in applied polymer science and characterization.
• Experience with PSA adhesives, coatings, and UV/E-beam curing.
• Ability to work independently and in teams with technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; project-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Study structure, properties and performance of PSAs to guide design.
• Lead new product development projects with DOE methods.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Manufacturing on core needs.
• Analyze patent and literature to support IP development.
• Maintain awareness of external tech developments and apply findings.
• Document results in technical reports and support cost-reduction efforts.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Independent and collaborative

Design of Experiments

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, or Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

GPC

DSC

TGA

FTIR

SEM

DMA

DOE methods

Job description

Join a Team That Sticks Together!

At Shurtape Technologies, we know how to make things stick. As a leading manufacturer and marketer of adhesive tape, we pride ourselves on creating innovative solutions for a variety of industries. We have facilities all around the world, including in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Mexico, China, and more. In addition to our specialty adhesive products, we offer well-known brands such as Duck, FrogTape, Painter's Mate, Shurtape, T-Rex, Kip, and Pro Tapes.

Why Work with Us?

• 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

More Than Just Tapes...

In addition to being obsessed with our customers, Shurtape is committed to being socially and environmentally responsible. We recognize that our actions today affect our world tomorrow, and we are committed to responsible manufacturing processes that protect the communities in which we operate.

We Ask for the Best, and Offer the Best in Return

We are looking for passionate, innovative individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment to join the Shurtape team. If you're looking to be part of a forward‑thinking, fast‑paced, and supportive team, we'd love to hear from you!

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 affect 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 works 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 to design 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 plans, using DOE methods as required; establish specifications for product performance, processing parameters and raw materials in the creation of new products; document project 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 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

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• 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 Affidative 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.