Job Description

Avery Dennison is seeking a talented Product Development Specialist to join our team. This role will be based in Mentor, Ohio, as part of the Materials Group - North America R&D Team, serving the High Value Segment Team.

Key responsibilities for this position include actively supporting strategic new product development related to pressure-sensitive labels, implementing innovative test methods, and effectively leading projects with a strong sense of urgency. The successful candidate will have a consistent track record of leading and supporting cross-functional project teams to meet business objectives, including incremental revenue growth, cost reduction, and business continuity in a leading company where individual and team success are recognized and rewarded.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Technical leadership of R&D projects related to the qualifications of films, adhesives, papers, and new product development for targeted customer applications by applying a hands-on approach and scientific principles of adhesion, polymer science, analytical chemistry, and regulations, mainly focusing on pharmaceutical applications.
• Support the definition and scope of projects with the project owners in the early stage to understand and bring together the voice and needs of the market/customer/organization.
• Conduct experimental studies, communicate scientific approaches, and convey results with data—present technical analysis to support product approval and adoption through the Stage-Gate process.
• Develop new test methods and standard protocols to be applied to pharmaceutical labeling.
• Develop new products from pilot to production scale by collaborating with multi-functional project teams, planning experimental designs, and coordinating pilot and plant trials.
• Collaborate globally with other technical experts to develop technical expertise further.
• Partner with multi-functional project teams, plan experimental designs, and coordinate trials.
• Support other departments such as quality, marketing, sales, and operations with specific product knowledge and expertise.
• Engage with the ecosystem to build external insights into the Pharma product roadmap.
• Contribute and adhere to EHS standards and policies and support Avery Dennison’s 2030 Sustainability Goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering required.
• 4+ years of R&D experience in pharmaceutical or medical device industry or in a labels/packaging supplier to those industries
• Proven experience supporting/leading new product development in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of packaging regulations in the pharma industry.
• Strong project and time management skills and experience with the Stage-Gate process.
• Proficient in material science, with expertise in physical and analytical laboratory testing techniques, and contributing to developing innovative techniques.
• Strong analytical reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, statistical data analysis, and work towards knowledge acquisition.
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate and influence all levels of the organization.
• Understanding different pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations, including emulsions, solvent acrylics, rubber systems, and silicone PSAs, is a differential.
• Experience with Google Docs and Minitab, as well as the ability to navigate the digital world.
• Travel availability up to 10% of the time.

Additional Information

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.

Reasonable Accommodations Notice

If you require accommodations to view or apply for a job, alternative methods are available to submit an application. Please contact (440)534-6000 or NA.TA.Operations@averydennison.com to discuss reasonable accommodations.