Senior Product Development Specialist

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital, and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2024 were $8.8 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:

• Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment

• Paid parental leave

• 401K eligibility

• Tuition reimbursement

• Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate

• Paid vacation and Paid holidays

Avery Dennison seeks a creative, collaborative, and technically skilled Senior R&D Product Development Specialist with a background in pressure-sensitive label adhesives to join our Materials Group—North America R&D Team in Mentor, Ohio.

This individual will be essential in supporting the Graphics Division  by leading and collaborating on innovative new product development projects for pressure-sensitive Graphics materials used in High Value Categories such as Automotive, Architectural, and Corporate Branding applications. 

In this role, the successful candidate will bring passion and determination to product development and innovation. As an Avery Dennison Senior R&D Product Development Specialist, you will join a dynamic and cross-functional team to develop new and innovative products for our graphics division. Leading major new product development from concept to commercialization resulting in the launch of new and innovative Graphics products while collaborating with the marketing, operations, supply chain, and quality teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead R&D projects while being accountable to delivering product attributes on time, while using good project management tools and methodologies.

• Present information and effectively communicate with divisions and cross-functionally.  Present findings to cross-functional teams and leadership.

• Perform and design experimental studies; interpret and present results and scientific approaches using data. Provide technical analysis to support product approval and adoption throughout the Stage-Gate process.

• Collaborate on global projects with other expert engineers and scientists to further develop your expertise.

• Deliver results in the areas of statistical data analysis, lean thinking and problem solving, in addition to creativity and the ability to collaborate and drive results across boundaries with speed.

• Ideate and develop mastery through market research, design and execution of experiments, benchmarking, test method development linked to performance in manufacturing and customer and end-user processes, analysis of suppliers and markets to identify trends and opportunities for marketplace advantage, as well as new product development, processes and services.

• Act as a team role model of Avery Dennison’s Values and positively influence team members to partner together to achieve individual and business goals.

• Partner with the Graphics marketing team in order to translate customer requirements into product attributes

• Lead problem solving efforts and thrive in an environment where autonomy, self direction, and empowerment is provided. 

• Aid in product roadmap development working closely with commercial counterparts

• Display agility, champion collaboration, and bring a sense of curiosity and passion to deliver clear business results through innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. 

• Bring a digital mindset to problem solving and open to experimentation with new technologies, systems, and processes

• A bachelor's degree in polymer science, material science, chemical engineering or a comparable field is required. Master’s degree preferred. 

• 6+ years of R&D experience within the chemical/polymer industry. 4+ years with Master's degree or higher.

• Experience with adhesive applications, such as emulsions, solvent acrylics, and rubber systems, is preferred.

• Demonstrated success in leading projects and new product development projects within a manufacturing environment, with a focus on executing from initial concept through full-scale commercialization 

• Proficient in physical and analytical laboratory testing techniques, with experience developing innovative methodologies.

• Strong analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in statistical data analysis. Experience with design of experiments, six sigma methodologies, and experience with statistical software like Minitab preferred. 

• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with high accuracy and attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Experience with the Stage-Gate product development process.

• Experience with Google Docs, Minitab, and the ability to navigate the digital world with the ability to use AI to get technical insights and support for research.

• Experience with Graphic materials, PVC, and laminate constructions preferred. 

• Travel availability up to 10% of the time.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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