Principal Scientist​/Eng

Summary of Position

The Principal Scientist/Engineer will work with New Product Development (NPD) teams, executive leadership in Research & Development (R&D), Manufacturing, Marketing and Materials Management to build upon product and process expertise to identify, research, and scale up new technologies or deepen the understanding of existing technologies leading to the enhancement of the product or process technology portfolio. The position requires extensive knowledge of the research and patent literature, a strong technical network of suppliers and other research-based entities, and an awareness of new technology developments in the PSA tape industry and related fields.

Innovation in planning, executing, and analyzing data in nonroutine studies where procedures must frequently be created or modified is critical.

• Maintain a high standard of safety performance, including handling, storage and disposal of materials in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Work with NPD teams in designing pressure sensitive adhesive, back size/release and barrier formulations and coating methods.
• Develop an understanding of current and targeted PSA tape applications and the unmet needs of users by working with external partners to identify and implement solutions.
• Work closely with suppliers and external technology providers to develop, scale‑up and commercialize PSA tapes and related products, and refine current product designs.
• Manage new product development and research projects, establishing goals, objectives and execution plans; use DOE methods as required; establish specifications for product performance, processing parameters and raw materials; document 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 awareness of external product and process technology developments related to PSA tape technology, including those of competitors, through external networks, literature study and technical meetings and conferences, and incorporate this information into new product development.
• Provide technical plant support for technology scale‑up and ongoing troubleshooting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of direct experience in PSA tape technologies.
• Ability to travel (15% of time) to domestic and foreign locations.
• Strong understanding of how to use the structure, properties and performance of pressure sensitive adhesives and their interaction with additives, tape constructions and substrates to develop new or improve existing products.
• Expertise in the physical, chemical, material and rheological characterization of polymers, including interpretation of GPC, DSC, TGA, FTIR, and DMA data.
• Ability to use innovation in planning, executing and analyzing data in nonroutine studies.
• Strong technical network of suppliers, testing labs, universities and other entities to enable effective problem solving and evaluation of new technologies.
• Proven track record of collaborating with Sales, Marketing and customers to identify unmet market needs and develop new products to meet those needs.
• Demonstrated project management ability to plan and meet deadlines as evidenced by leading NPD project teams and large corporate initiatives.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to evaluate options and converge on a solution quickly.
• Strong communication skills, including coaching and mentoring others.
• Passion for innovation and a high degree of curiosity.
• Strong knowledge of statistics, including design of experiments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present effectively to business, technical and operating groups, including senior executives.

• Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit,…