Research and Development Lab Lead

Ellsworth Adhesives • Germantown, WI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Ellsworth Adhesives, a global, industry-leading distributor of specialty chemicals and equipment and adhesive manufacturer, is seeking a Research and Development Lab Lead. This role is part of KitPackers, LLC, an Ellsworth Corporation company, located in Germantown, WI. KitPackers is a growing packager of high-end adhesives for the aerospace, defense, technology, and automotive industries. This role supports daily laboratory operations by guiding team members, coordinating workflows, and promoting adherence to quality and safety standards. The Lab Lead serves as a technical leader and primary point of contact for lab activities, ensuring efficient execution of testing, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to support team collaboration
• 3+ years of professional related work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field required
• Demonstrated customer service mindset, including the ability to respond effectively to internal and external requests
• Solid technical aptitude with a proactive approach to learning and development
• Commitment to safety, including recognizing and addressing unsafe conditions
• Proven ability to properly use laboratory equipment and materials while identifying improvement opportunities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the R&D Lab in a clean, organized, and compliant condition aligned with company standards and safety protocols
• Lead day-to-day lab activities by assigning tasks, prioritizing work, and providing hands-on support to team members
• Coordinate lab scheduling, track supplies and chemical inventory, and assist with retains management, waste identification, and proper disposal
• Support preventative maintenance, calibration, and verification activities for laboratory equipment to ensure operational readiness
• Train and mentor team members on established test methods, instrumentation, equipment use, and data integrity practices; ensure training documentation is current
• Coordinate preparation of product samples to support customer service and technical requests

Benefits

• PTO allotment on your first day
• Great benefits
• Competitive pay
• Generous quarterly gainsharing (performance bonus) plan
• Promotion opportunities within the department and the Ellsworth organization
• Health
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Disability
• Flexible Spending
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Social Events
• Community Involvement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level