⚙️ Technical Associate – Adhesive Technologies
📍 Location: Hartsville, SC (On-site)
🧳 Travel: Up to 20%
💼 Reports To: Technology Senior Director
🎯 Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
💰 Salary Range: $135,600 – $152,550 + Annual Bonus (12.5% target)
🚚 Relocation: Full package available
🌟 The Opportunity
Join a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions as a Technical Associate specializing in adhesive technology. In this hands-on, innovation-driven role, you’ll design, test, and commercialize new water-based adhesive products, supporting multiple industries including paperboard and food-grade packaging.
You’ll work closely with R&D, operations, and commercial teams to turn ideas into market-ready products — driving both performance and sustainability across the company’s global adhesive division.
🧠 What You’ll Be Doing
Product Development & Commercialization
Conceive, formulate, and test new adhesive and coating technologies.
Conduct plant trials to ensure successful scale-up and commercialization at customer sites.
Collaborate with production teams to transition newly developed products into full-scale manufacturing.
Business & Technical Collaboration
Partner with sales and business development to identify customer opportunities and provide technical assessments.
Leverage emerging adhesive technologies to expand into new industries, markets, and customers.
Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to leadership, sales, and customer stakeholders.
Process & Quality Optimization
Use Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and analytical troubleshooting to enhance performance and reduce costs.
Support supply chain in evaluating and qualifying new raw material and additive vendors.
Lead or assist quality assurance initiatives to identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions.
Innovation & Intellectual Property
Stay ahead of industry trends and technologies, assessing feasibility for future applications.
Maintain accurate documentation on intellectual property, supporting patent filings and trade secret protection.
🎓 What You’ll Bring
✅ Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a related technical discipline.
✅ 5+ years’ experience in formulating water-based adhesives (experience in paperboard or food-grade packaging highly desirable).
✅ Proven problem-solving ability — able to tackle complex challenges and identify optimal solutions.
✅ Strong hands-on capabilities, willing to conduct bench or trial work independently.
✅ Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
✅ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — adaptable to various audiences and stakeholders.
✅ A proactive, “can-do” attitude, coupled with creativity and innovation to achieve technical and business goals.
💡 Why You’ll Love It Here
You’ll join a company where innovation, integrity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to grow, experiment, and make a tangible impact on sustainability and manufacturing excellence.
🎁 Compensation & Benefits
Base salary $135,600 – $152,550 + 12.5% annual bonus (up to 25% potential)
Full relocation assistance provided
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Paid time off and 11 company holidays
Life and disability insurance
Education and professional development support
🧩 Ideal Candidate Snapshot
Experience Level: Mid-level (5–10 years)
Function: R&D / Adhesive Technology / Product Formulation
Industry: Packaging, Adhesives, Materials Science
Work Environment: On-site in Hartsville, SC
Travel: Up to 20%
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of adhesive innovation within a company that values technical excellence, continuous improvement, and doing the right thing. If you’re passionate about creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable products — this role is for you.