UV Curable Coatings Specialist

Talent STEM, a specialist scientific and engineering recruitment consultancy, is supporting a UK-based manufacturer in the decorative polymer and surface coatings sector to appoint an experienced UV Curable Coatings Specialist to join its New Product Development team. This role is strictly for candidates with hands‑on experience in UV‑curable coating systems.

You will be responsible for developing and optimising UV‑curable coatings for decorative polymer films, supporting new product introduction and continuous improvement initiatives. The role combines laboratory‑based formulation work with close collaboration across manufacturing and customer‑facing teams.

• Formulate, develop, and optimise UV‑curable coatings, including UV lacquers, excimer systems, and 2K lacquers
• Lead coating development activities for decorative polymer film and surface applications
• Develop water‑based inks and primers to enhance coating performance and sustainability
• Introduce new functional and aesthetic surface features aligned with market and customer needs
• Support new product development from concept through to qualification and approval
• Conduct laboratory testing and performance evaluation of coatings and surfaces
• Provide technical support to manufacturing during trials, scale‑up, and routine production
• Support customers with technical advice on coating application and troubleshooting

• Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science or a related discipline
• Minimum 5 years’ industrial coatings experience, with direct, hands‑on exposure to UV‑curable coating systems
• Experience with UV lacquers is highly desirable
• Background in LVT flooring, decorative films, or similar polymer‑based surface products is advantageous
• Experience supporting new product development and process optimisation
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally

• Salary up to £50,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• Technically focused NPD role with real influence on product innovation
• Stable manufacturing environment with long‑term product development focus

To discuss opportunity further, please get in touch with Graeme Pallas or Russell Oakley at Talent STEM to learn more.