Adhesive Product Developer - Automotive

About the role

We are seeking a skilled Product Developer (PD) for our Automotive business to lead the design and development of innovative pressure-sensitive adhesive tape solutions for automotive applications. In this role, you will work closely with cross-functional partners to ensure strong product performance, manufacturability, and customer value. The PD collaborates with international R&D groups in Hamburg and China, national and international marketing teams, sales, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop adhesive tapes focused on the automotive (EV battery) market, enhancing existing products and expanding new offerings in collaboration with product management, process development, sales teams, and key customers.
• Lead and manage innovative product development projects from initial concept to final completion.
• Create, build, and evaluate prototypes (lab, pilot, and production trials) and communicate findings clearly to key stakeholders, linking performance to customer requirements and application use-cases.
• Drive material and formulation development (e.g., adhesive systems, backings, primers, release liners) and define test methods relevant to target applications.
• Lead co-development projects with selected customers, resulting in new products or expanded application fields.
• Actively participate in tech days, trade fairs, and open house events.
• Analyze competitive solutions and market trends to shape product strategy and maintain a competitive edge.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science; PhD preferred.
• Strong analytical and process-oriented thinking with a systematic approach and high technical aptitude.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams (R&D, Business, Marketing, Sales, Production, Quality, and external partners).
• Requires normal lifting, use of both hands, correctable vision, and lack of colour-blindness.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.