Join the Gaco team, a trusted name in building envelope solutions with a heritage dating back to 1955.
We're seeking a R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive who's ready to be part of a company committed to formulating everyday success for every customer through innovative, reliable products used to adhere, seal, and protect at every level of the building envelope.
Job Title: R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive | Req ID: 16809 | HR Contact: Daniel NARDOZZI | Location: Building Envelope - Rockland, MA
ABOUT THE ROLE / WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH
- Strategic Product Development: Define and execute the R&D strategy for new generations of solvent-based rubber adhesives and primers, aligning with market needs, regulatory requirements (e.g., VOC, flammability), and business growth objectives.
- Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation, rigorous scientific methodology, and efficient project execution.
- Formulation & Process Expertise: Oversee the design, development, and scale-up of novel and existing formulations involving synthetic and/or natural rubbers (e.g., SBR, Neoprene), tackifiers, resins, and solvent systems.
- Product Maintenance & Optimization: Ensure the long-term quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness of established products through continuous improvement, raw material qualification, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
- Technical Compliance & Support: Act as the primary technical authority, ensuring all products meet industry standards, customer specifications, and relevant environmental and safety regulations. Provide high-level technical support to Sales, Marketing, and Operations.
QC Laboratory Equipment
Core Mechanical Testing Equipment
- Universal Testing Machine (UTM) (can be shared with R&D).
- Lap Shear Fixtures: To measure the shear strength of the bond, simulating the forces that try to slide the membrane. This aligns with ASTM Standards.
- Tensile Grips: To test the tensile strength of the adhesive film itself or the membrane.
- Horizontal Sealant Tester (Cyclic Fatigue Tester)
Environmental Simulation Equipment
- Environmental Test Chamber (Temperature & Humidity)
- Weatherometer (QUV / Xenon Arc Chamber)
- Forced Air Oven: Used for heat-aging studies (to test long-term thermal stability) and to determine properties like heat resistance and shear at elevated temperatures.
- Vacuum Oven: Used for precisely determining the volatile (solvent) content versus solid content, which is critical for formulation and VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) compliance.
Physical & Application Property Equipment
- Rotational Viscometer (e.g., Brookfield type)
- Pycnometer (Specific Gravity Cup) (can be shared with R&D)
R&D Equipment List
Compounding & Liquid Analysis Equipment
- Laboratory Mixer (High-Shear & High-Viscosity) Note: must be explosion-proof or air-driven for solvent based formulations.
- Rotational Viscometer (e.g., Brookfield type) A must-have for both R&D and QC.
- Pycnometer (Specific Gravity Cup) & Analytical Scale
- Forced Air Oven / Vacuum Oven (percent solids)
- Flash Point Tester (e.g., Tag Closed Cup) Essential for solvent-based adhesives. This safety device determines the lowest temperature at which the solvent vapors will ignite. Required for all safety data sheets (SDS) and shipping documents.
Application & Cure Analysis Equipment
- Film Applicator / Drawdown Bar (getting repeatable and reliable test results)
- Probe Tack Tester
Bond & Mechanical Performance Equipment
- Universal Testing Machine (UTM) / Tensile Tester (shared with QC)
- Rolling Ball Tack Tester
Durability & Environmental Testing Equipment
- Environmental Test Chamber (Temperature & Humidity)
- Shear Adhesion Failure Temperature (SAFT) Tester
- Accelerated Weatherometer (QUV or Xenon Arc).
- Forced Air Ovens (not shared with QC to allow for different temperatures)
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Education: Master or PhD in Chemistry, Polymer chemistry or a related technical field.
- Experience: 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in the adhesives, coatings, or specialty chemicals industry, with a mandatory focus on solvent-based, rubber-chemistry (e.g., polychloroprene, SBR, polyurethanes) formulations for the roofing industry.
Understanding industry trends and regulations changes & prepare the product portfolio development in advance.
- Leadership: Proven experience in managing and developing a technical team and successfully leading complex, multi-functional R&D projects.
- Knowledge: Deep understanding of polymer chemistry, rheology, adhesion science, testing methodologies (e.g., peel strength, shear), and solvent regulations (e.g., EPA, regional VOC limits)
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive salary
Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance
Holistic Health & Well-being programs
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts
Paid time off & paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)
Educational Assistance Program
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Amrize is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.