Product Development Chemist

FLSA Status: Exempt | Grade Level: S-6 | Department: R&D

About the role

The product development chemist is responsible for assisting with or independently performing pressure sensitive adhesive projects to solve customer-related issues. This role will bring technical solutions to customers by working collaboratively with customers and AR’s Innovation Team to develop new adhesive solutions, robust products, and basic production processes that can be successfully commercialized.

Responsibilities

• Independently designs limited scale lab experiments; contributes to the design of lab-scale mixing and coating experiments.
• Assists in executing lab mixing and coating experiments designed by others.
• Assists and/or leads polymerization reactions for new adhesive development.
• Leads testing of production trials.
• Prepares samples and conducts various tests to determine properties of adhesives and tapes.
• Records, organizes, and communicates results/data from experiments and testing.
• Performs analysis of data, draws conclusions, and makes experimental recommendations.
• Drafts reports.
• Gathers design criteria from customers via conference calls, video calls, or in-person meetings to design and create custom adhesive solutions.
• Travels to customer sites to implement standard and developmental products into customers’ manufacturing or production lines (up to 20% of the time).
• Maintains lab areas, storage areas, and equipment.
• Follows all applicable waste handling procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BS degree (or higher) in chemistry and/or relevant industrial experience.
• Proficient in general chemistry laboratory protocols.
• Must communicate fluently in English.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of AR information.
• Ability to perform duties with moderate supervision.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Requires an aptitude to use sensitive test equipment.
• Proficient in use of PowerPoint, report writing, and effective email communication.

Physical Demands

• Physical exertion such as periods of standing, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities should be expected.
• Occasional lifting of moderately heavy items (objects over 50 pounds).

Work Environment

Involves moderate risks or discomforts requiring special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, machines, and irritant chemicals. May be required to use personal protective equipment such as masks, uniforms, blues, hairnets, gloves, safety shoes, safety glasses/goggles, shields, etc.