Chemical Engineer Caldwell, OH

Chemical Engineer - Pressure Sensitive Tape Manufacturing (Hot Melt Adhesives)

Location:

Marietta, OH

Experience Level: 2-10 years

We are seeking a highly motivated Chemical Engineer with hands‑on experience in pressure sensitive tape (PST) manufacturing, ideally in hot‑melt adhesive formulation and coating processes. This role supports the full lifecycle of product development—from lab‑scale experimentation through pilot coating and full‑scale manufacturing on roll‑to‑roll coaters up to 62" wide. The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing technical development, scale‑up engineering, quality control, and cross‑functional project management in a fast‑paced production environment.

• Develop and refine hot‑melt and pressure sensitive adhesive tape constructions, focusing on product performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Lead product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Design and run DOE studies, lab evaluations, and pilot coater trials.
• Translate lab‑scale results to pilot and full‑scale manufacturing, ensuring successful process scale‑up and product transition.

• Support roll‑to‑roll adhesive coating processes ranging from small pilot machines to full-width 62" production coaters.
• Optimize coating parameters, support material trials, and troubleshoot coating defects or process variability.
• Work closely with production teams to develop standard operating conditions, improve uptime, and enhance product consistency.

• Specify mechanical, adhesion, rheological, and aging testing on pressure sensitive tape products.
• Develop quality specifications, test methods, and control plans.
• Partner with Quality and Operations to identify root causes of product or process issues and implement corrective/preventive actions.

• Lead multi‑disciplinary projects involving R&D, operations, quality, procurement, and customer teams.
• Maintain timelines, documentation, resource planning, and communication around project milestones.
• Coordinate vendor trials, raw material qualifications, and customer sample programs.
• Work directly with some customers to develop and scale‑up custom products.

• Provide technical expertise for customer inquiries, product troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field.
• 2-10 years of experience in pressure‑sensitive adhesives, hot‑melt adhesive manufacturing, tape production, or related roll‑to‑roll coating industries.
• Hands‑on experience with hot‑melts, roll‑to‑roll coating equipment, pilot‑scale to full‑scale process transfer, pressure‑sensitive tape testing and evaluation.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design skills.
• Working knowledge of statistical tools (DOE, Minitab, SPC) is a plus.

• Experience with slot die adhesive coating methods.
• Experience operating advanced analytical equipment: DSC, Rheometers, TGA.
• Knowledge of PSA chemistry (rubber, acrylic, UV cure).
• Experience in ISO or similar regulated manufacturing environments.