Adhesive Technology Developer

tesa tape is looking for an Adhesive Technology Developer to support the next wave of adhesive innovation in Sparta, Michigan. In this onsite role, you will help develop hotmelt adhesive technologies, including formulations, processing approaches, and reusable technology building blocks that can feed future product and business growth.

What you’ll do

• Develop products, materials, processes, technology modules, and methods as part of feasibility studies, business cases, and active projects.
• Contribute to building basic knowledge and fundamental work that supports adhesive technology development.
• Execute experimental activities, including measurements, preparing samples, and planning and running trials on both lab and pilot scales.
• Coordinate and supervise pilot and production trials.
• Run analytical equipment to characterize samples.
• Consult on projects as a participating team member and also in a Project Leader capacity.
• Initiate and support development projects.
• Preserve and deepen broad technical knowledge through documentation, including written and verbal reporting on an international scale.
• Contribute to and initiate patent applications.
• Conduct “State of the Art” analysis in consultation with responsible colleagues.
• Support Patent Field Expert Teams and assist with FTO analysis from the technology perspective.
• Create and maintain internal and external networks with a focus on technology-relevant stakeholders, including suppliers and vendors, plus external collaborations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science/Polymer Engineering/Materials Science/Chemical Engineering/Chemistry or a related technical discipline. Ph.D. or M.S. preferred.
• Experience developing adhesive, polymer, coating, sealant, elastomer, or thermoplastic systems.
• Understanding of hotmelt PSA technology.
• Experience with thermoplastic elastomers including SIS, SBS, and SEBS.
• Experience with natural rubber, polyolefin, and specialty polymer systems.

How you’ll help the formula

• Technology Development and development of building blocks
• Project Work
• Knowledge Management
• Intellectual Property and State of the Art Analysis / FTO Analysis
• Networking

The role works closely with global R&D teams to scale innovative adhesive concepts, including leading feasibility studies and supporting technology transfer from development through trials.