R&D Technical Leader, Graphics

Avery Dennison is seeking a Technical Services Representative to support the Graphics Division's Research and Development team in Mentor, Ohio. This newly created role merges product development with customer-facing technical expertise, sitting within R&D to drive Automotive OEM technical development. The successful candidate will provide a critical technical interface between OEM customers and internal engineering, manufacturing, and commercial teams. This position is responsible for leading new product development projects, from concept to commercialization, while also providing on-site technical support, evaluating customer specifications, and developing custom solutions to meet unique customer needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for OEM customers, providing expert consultation, training, and support on product technology and applications.

• Evaluate customer specifications and technical requirements to determine if existing products can be utilized or if modifications are necessary.

• Lead custom mix-and-match development, modifying and customizing products to meet specific customer performance and application requirements.

• Investigate and solve complex customer problems, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to ensure timely resolution.

• Work directly with OEM partners to define, quantify, and shape market and technical requirements for new applications.

• Lead new product development projects from concept to commercialization, ensuring project milestones and product attributes are delivered on time using strong project management discipline.

• Translate customer requirements and market needs into critical-to-quality (CTQ) attributes for new product design and development projects.

• Aid in the development of new test methods that are linked to performance in manufacturing, customer, and end-user processes.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, operations, supply chain, and quality, to ensure successful product launches.

• Drive product benchmarking studies and support new product field trials to validate performance and application suitability.

• Partner with the Graphics marketing and commercial teams to support development of product roadmaps and identify new opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.

• Present technical findings, project updates, and product information effectively to internal leadership and external partners.

• Support development of technical literature, including product data sheets and field observation bulletins, to support new product launches and share knowledge.

• Education: Minimum associates (2-yr) degree in Engineering or equivalent experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Experience: 3+ years of related industry experience, with a strong preference for roles that support new product development, or a customer-facing technical capacity within a manufacturing environment.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Demonstrated project management skills with experience leading technical projects.

• Strong customer focus and experience building effective relationships with external partners. Previous experience with automotive industry and necessary processes and standards such as IATF, PPAP, and ISO preferred

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills with the ability to troubleshoot and develop creative solutions.

• Experience with product development and commercialization processes.

• Ability to interface effectively with cross-functional groups to define and execute project requirements.

• Familiarity with pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations (emulsions, solvents, hotmelts), coating/casting processes, and lamination is highly desired.

• Knowledge of the Graphics industry, particularly in automotive, signage, or fleet applications, is preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

• Up to 30% travel

The salary range for this position is $82,050  -  $109,400

The hiring base salary range above represents what Avery Dennison reasonably expects to pay for this position as of the date of this posting. Actual salaries will vary within the range, and in some circumstances may be above or below the range, based on various factors including but not limited to a candidate’s relevant skills, experience, education and training, and location, as well as the job scope and complexity, responsibilities, and regular and/or necessary travel required for the position, which may change depending on the candidate pool. Avery Dennison reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

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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