R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive

R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive

Requisition ID: 16809

Location: Rockland, MA, US, 02370

Pay Type: Salary

Position type: Full-time / Salary

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Amrize is building North America. From bridges and railways to data centers, schools, offices and homes, our solutions are inside the buildings and infrastructure that connect people and advance how we live. And we invite you to come and build with us.

As the partner of choice for professional builders, we offer advanced branded solutions from foundation to rooftop. Wherever our customers are, whatever their job, we’re ready to deliver. Our 19,000 colleagues work across 1,000 sites supported by an unparalleled distribution network. Infrastructure, commercial and residential, new build, repair and refurbishment: We’re in every construction market.

Amrize listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange on June 23, 2025, following our spinoff as an independent company. Join us and build your ambition.

Learn more at

Description:

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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#LI-Onsite

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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.

BUILDING INCLUSIVE WORKSPACES
At Amrize, there is endless opportunity for you to play your part. Whether you’re in a technical, managerial, or frontline role, you can shape a career that works for you. We're seeking builders, creative thinkers and innovators. Come put your expertise to work while developing the knowledge and skills to drive your career forward. With us you’ll have the chance to build your ambition!

Amrize North America Inc. takes pride in our hiring processes and our commitment that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, citizenship, physical or mental disability, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Amrize North America Inc, and its respective subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers, deciding all employment on the basis of qualification, merit and business need. Amrize Canada Inc. is committed to the principles of employment equity and encourages the applications from women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. Amrize North America Inc. participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [email protected]. This email address should only be used for accommodations and not general inquiries or resume submittals. In Ontario, our organization/business is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Under the Act, accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM RECRUITMENT FRAUD
The only way to apply for a position at Amrize is through our official Careers website. Be cautious of unsolicited offers or requests for information from other sources. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud here: Fraudulent Job Offers Policy

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