R&D Manager, Contact Adhesive

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 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 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) – 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. Amrize is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr Amrize Building Envelope