PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEST TECHNICIAN

VYBOND SPECIALTY ADHESIVES LLC•Franklin, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Development Test Technician executes laboratory testing and prepares lab-scale samples to support research, new product development, product improvement, raw material qualification, process validation, troubleshooting, and cost-reduction initiatives. The Technician works under the direction of the Product Development Test Engineer and collaborates with Product Development, Quality, and Operations. The role plans and prioritizes assigned testing, operates and maintains analytical and physical test equipment, follows established methods and protocols, analyzes and documents results, and communicates findings to project stakeholders. The Technician maintains accurate, traceable data; identifies unusual or nonconforming results; supports development of application-relevant test methods; and ensures laboratory activities meet safety, quality, regulatory, and data-integrity requirements. Testing may include microscopy, FTIR, rheology, DSC, TGA, and standard tape tests such as peel, shear, and tack. The role also prepares adhesive tape samples by coating liquid adhesives onto release liner, drying, laminating with selected backing, and conditioning samples for evaluation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and accurately document technical data; recognize unusual or nonconforming results; and escalate concerns for technical review.
Basic understanding of calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, measurement-system control, and good laboratory practices.
Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and chemical-handling practices, including compliance with SDS, OSHA, environmental, and company requirements.
Ability to manage multiple test requests, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project and customer needs.
Ability to communicate test methods, observations, results, and data limitations clearly to Product Development, Quality, Operations, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work independently within established procedures and recognize when technical, quality, safety, or data-integrity issues require escalation.
Ability to travel and work flexible hours as needed to support testing, trials, and business requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or technical certification in laboratory science, chemistry, materials science, quality, manufacturing technology, or a related technical discipline.
1–2 years of related laboratory, analytical testing, quality, product development, or manufacturing experience.
Hands-on experience operating laboratory test equipment and following written test methods, specifications, protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Experience with pressure-sensitive adhesive or materials testing, including peel, shear, tack, coating weight, thickness, microscopy, FTIR, rheology, DSC, or TGA.
Ability to prepare lab-scale adhesive tape samples, including coating, drying, laminating, conditioning, cutting, and labeling test specimens.
Familiarity with ASTM and PSTC test methods and ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 13485, or similar quality-management systems.
Experience with PowerPoint, D365, Minitab, laboratory information systems, or statistical software.

Responsibilities

Provide testing expertise for research, innovation, new product development, and product improvements using analytical techniques and standard tape testing.
Prepare lab-scale adhesive tape samples through coating, drying, laminating, and conditioning.
Develop and execute test methods that replicate real-world application and end-use conditions and correlate laboratory results with customer and field performance.
Plan, prioritize, and execute testing for assigned projects, including interpreting protocols, analyzing data, and communicating results to cross-functional teams.
Conduct testing for root cause analysis of raw material, product quality, and process variability issues, partnering with Product Development, Quality, and Operations.
Ensure testing systems, protocols, and documentation comply with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies, maintaining data integrity, accuracy, and traceability.
Prepare technical reports and summaries to support decision-making and business objectives.
Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure reliable, repeatable results and lab readiness.
Support quality, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction initiatives by identifying ways to improve testing methods, reduce variability, and increase lab efficiency; track and report applicable metrics.
Maintain ownership of testing protocols and related documentation for products supported out of Franklin, Kentucky, and provide broader company support as needed.
Ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals in compliance with SDS, OSHA, environmental, and company policies.
Contribute to operational excellence initiatives and overall laboratory performance goals.