R&D​/Product Developer – Custom Durable Graphics

Central Decal, a manufacturer of custom durable graphics for OEM and industrial applications, is seeking a hands‑on R&D / Product Developer.

This position will collaborate with production, quality, sales, customers and suppliers to develop new products, improve existing constructions, and solve technical manufacturing problems.

The ideal candidate has product-development experience involving screen printing, inks, coatings, films, adhesives, or decorated plastics. This is a collaborative technical position—not a standalone R&D department or people‑management role.

For more than 60 years, Central Decal has produced high-quality durable graphics for OEM customers, plastic molding companies, and assemblers throughout North America.

Our products include decals and labels, overlays, in‑mold labels, domed graphics, badges, and dimensional emblems. Our processes include screen printing, digital imaging, flexography, doming, embossing, and die cutting.

• Participate in developing and commercializing new products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Improve existing products for performance, durability, appearance, quality, and manufacturability.
• Select, evaluate and qualify inks, coatings, films, adhesives, and related materials.
• Plan and conduct laboratory testing, press trials, and production trials.
• Troubleshoot adhesion, cure, drying, color, opacity, compatibility, and durability issues.
• Support projects involving decals, labels, overlays, IML/IMD and decorated plastic components.
• Translate customer requirements into product specifications and test plans.
• Work with production and quality teams during product scale‑up and validation.
• Collaborate with customers and material suppliers to resolve technical problems.
• Document test results, product specifications, trial conditions and approved constructions.
• Support continuous‑improvement and cost‑reduction projects.

• Five or more years of product-development, R&D or technical-service experience involving durable graphics, industrial screen printing, labels, overlays, decorated plastics, inks, coatings or a closely related field.
• Practical knowledge of industrial inks and coatings, including UV‑curable, solvent‑based or water‑based systems.
• Understanding of adhesion, cure, drying, intercoat compatibility and substrate selection.
• Hands‑on experience moving products or processes from development through production.
• Experience evaluating materials and conducting structured technical trials.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause‑analysis skills.
• Ability to work effectively with production employees, customers, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, printing technology or a related field—or equivalent directly relevant industry experience.

• Industrial screen printing or functional printing.
• Polyester, polycarbonate, vinyl, treated polyethylene or polypropylene films.
• In‑mold labeling, in‑mold decoration, or formed graphics.
• First‑and second‑surface printing.
• Metallics, textures, dead‑front graphics, display windows, or specialty effects.
• Outdoor‑weatherable or chemical‑resistant OEM graphics.
• Experience working with ink manufacturers and other technical material suppliers.

Expected base salary: Competitive based on directly relevant experience and technical capabilities.

Benefits: Vacation/PTO, Insurance PPO, HD PPO, & HMO. Dental/Vision insurance offered, 401k with 4% match

Central Decal Company is an equal opportunity employer.