Sr. Lab Technician

APPLIED Adhesives; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k match

Flexible work

Generous PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance

Career development

Job summary

APPLIED Adhesives, based near Minneapolis, seeks a Sr. Lab Technician to work in our adhesives applications lab. The role involves extensive bench work, building and testing samples, and reporting results while managing Technical Requests.

The on-site position in Minnetonka, MN requires up to 20% travel for training and customer support, with responsibilities spanning product demonstrations, testing, and technical guidance across packaging, converting, graphics, and assembly applications.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher.
• 4+ years of adhesive testing and application lab experience.
• Located in the greater Minneapolis‑St. Paul area.
• Valid driver’s license and travel up to 20% for training and customer support.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project prioritization with Senior Manager of Technical Service and Application Engineers.
• Manage multiple Lab Projects: determine materials, timelines, build/test specimens, write reports.
• Provide adhesive technical guidance to internal and external customers.
• Provide product recommendations and technical guidance based on offerings and markets.
• Oversee incoming/outgoing samples and maintain lab supplies inventory.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to support business growth objectives.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation requirements.
• Conduct material/adhesive performance testing on substrates/parts.
• Provide On-Site and Remote Customer Service and Technical Support for various adhesive applications.
• Conduct hands-on product demonstrations, trials and training.

Skills

Lab testing

Adhesive testing

Technical troubleshooting

Customer support

Education

Associate degree or higher

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

We have you covered. Nobody knows more about adhesives than APPLIED Adhesives. We are passionate about solving complex challenges with innovative adhesive products and offerings. APPLIED is the industry leader in helping manage costs, reduce waste, and make entire operations run more efficiently. From adhesives, equipment, parts, and service, we have you covered.

We have you covered. Nobody knows more about adhesives than APPLIED Adhesives. We are passionate about solving complex challenges with innovative adhesive products and offerings. APPLIED is the industry leader in helping manage costs, reduce waste, and make entire operations run more efficiently. From adhesives, equipment, parts, and service, we have you covered. With world-class adhesive products, equipment, and parts along with visionary leadership, unparalleled expertise, and an agile, responsive service team, we’re not happy simply staying put. Every day, we leverage our technical expertise and passion for problem solving for the benefit of our customers and the future of our company. We have countless victories that we could celebrate, but we’re more interested in looking forward than back. We’ve collected the talent and skills to continue innovating new product solutions and applications in emerging industries. We have the fortitude to not only accept challenges, but to seek them out. And we have the confidence and determination to become the most sought-after adhesive solutions partner.

Come join us!

The Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Lab Technician who works in our adhesives applications lab. This role has knowledge and practice of lab protocol and will conduct extensive hands‑on bench work building and testing samples while managing multiple Technical Requests, determine materials needed, develop timing as appropriate, then report on results as well as other activities based on the needs of the organization.

This is an on‑site role in Minnetonka, MN, which requires up to 20% travel for training and customer support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate project prioritization and assignment to ensure workload distribution of projects in collaboration with Senior Manager of Technical Service and Application Engineers in support of business objectives that require Application Lab activities.
• Manage multiple Lab Projects that require determination of required materials, developing timelines, Building and Testing Specimens, Develop / Write reports for testing conducted.
• Provide adhesive technical guidance/support to internal and external customer groups related to adhesive applications, product performance, lab testing, product recommendations, product demonstrations, troubleshooting and technical training.
• Provide Product recommendations and technical guidance based on product offerings and markets served.
• Oversee incoming and outgoing samples (test substrate, adhesive/sealant, specimens, lab supplies, etc.)
• Coordinate with other personnel to ensure inventories of consumable lab supplies are maintained to minimize delay in projects.
• Participate in internal and external cross functional meetings/activities to support business growth objectives. (including but not limited to project discovery meetings, product demonstrations, adhesive and technology training, etc.).
• Accountable for policies and procedures to maintain compliance intent with ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation requirements.
• Have knowledge of product types offered to the market.
• Conduct material/adhesive performance testing on representative substrates and/or parts (proof of concept).
• Provide On‑Site and Remote Customer Service and Technical Support for various adhesive applications, such as End of Line Packaging, Converting, Graphic Arts and Product Assembly (including Automotive).
• Conduct hands‑on product demonstrations, trials and technical training for personnel.
• Build strong rapport with customers and organizational teams, providing technical assistance and troubleshooting through training, experience, knowledge, and use of available resources.
• Respond to customer and sales inquiries related to product recommendations, technical questions, problem solving, requests for information with timeliness and professionalism.
• Utilize various technologies and methods to manage workflow, communicate with outside and inside contacts, create content and access information.
• Collaborate with team and organizational partners as well as being self‑motivated to prioritize, complete and communicate workflow efficiently and effectively.
• Utilize contact management system as a resource to manage technical requests.
• Ability to productively communicate and collaborate with a wide variety of personalities and skill levels.
• Show good judgment and professionalism in all job‑related functions and correspondences.
• Support and adhere to all safety procedures and complete all required safety training.
• Identify and support improvement opportunities for processes to support company objectives and customer expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You Are Ideal For This Role If You:

• Work collaboratively with others and contribute to a positive, respectful team environment.
• Focus on solutions, prioritize effectively, and go the extra mile when needed to achieve goals.
• Take ownership of your work and follow through on commitments you make.
• Ask questions, seek new perspectives, and continuously look for better ways to work.
• Are motivated by achieving results and creating exceptional experiences for customers.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements listed below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the key responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities and meet the physical requirements for the role.

• Communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• Observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a keyboard, mouse, telephone.
• Travel between company locations, customer sites, and/or manufacturing facilities as needed.
• Walk through manufacturing, warehouse, and production areas.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or higher.
• 4+ years of adhesive testing and application lab experience.
• Located in the greater Minneapolis‑St. Paul area.
• Valid driver’s license. Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time for training and/or customer support.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Other Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across business functions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills.

Why Work For Us:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• 401k Match
• Flexible and Team‑Oriented work environment
• Generous PTO policy
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career and talent development opportunities as well as opportunities for personal growth

Leading with Integrity, Collaboration, and Passion

In today’s dynamic business landscape, these core values serve as the compass guiding our actions and decisions. Whether it’s demonstrating leadership, fostering collaboration, igniting passion, upholding integrity, or maintaining a relentless customer focus, these principles shape our mission, vison and values, and drive our commitment to excellence.

Our Core Values:

Team-Oriented

We win together! We treat our teammates with respect.

Get Things Done

We focus on results, not excuses. We consistently go above and beyond.

Accountable

When we make a commitment, we keep it. Trust is earned.

Curious

Curiosity is the spark for a solution. We are growth‑minded and eager to learn.

Driven to Win

A highly satisfied customer is our ultimate win. Profitable growth = winning.

Interview Expectations

To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, AI-generated or AI-assisted interview responses are not permitted. Candidates who use AI tools during interviews will not be considered for employment.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation

Compensation for roles at APPLIED varies based on a wide variety of factors, including job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, education, work location, and internal equity. As required by applicable law, APPLIED provides a reasonable compensation range for positions that may be filled in multiple locations.

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $80,000 - $100,000 annually.

This range represents a good‑faith estimate of the compensation expected for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation offered may vary based on the factors noted above. In addition, we are invested in every employee’s total well‑being and offer a substantial and comprehensive total rewards package.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Typical work is in a climate‑controlled environment requiring regular use of computer and electronic equipment.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.