R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive

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: Taylor J VALLEY   |   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.