Product Development Specialist

Product Development Specialist

Avery Dennison Corporation 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.

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

Job Description

Avery Dennison is seeking a Product Development Engineer. This position will be with the Materials Group - North America R&D Team in Mentor, Ohio.

The position responsibilities include supporting strategic new product development related to pressure-sensitive labels, managing projects with a sense of urgency and leading cross-functional project teams to meet business needs for incremental revenue, cost reduction, and business continuity in an industry leading company where individual and team success are recognized and rewarded.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead your own R&D product development projects for targeted customer labeling applications by applying a hands-on approach and scientific principles of adhesion, polymer science and formulation
• Implementation of products in development into commercial production by collaborating with process and quality engineering teams in manufacturing
• Provide support and work globally with other expert engineers and scientists in projects to develop your own expertise
• Work with multi-functional project teams, plan experimental designs and coordinate pilot and plant trials
• Generate, document and report technical data with clear conclusions and recommendations to the project team or other internal stakeholders
• Define and scope projects together with the project owners in the early stages to understand and capture the voice and needs of the market/customer
• Ideation, external engagement, and translating customer needs into product design features
• Support other departments such as QA, marketing, sales and operations with specific knowledge and expertise on products

• Present technical analysis to support product approval and adoption through the Stage-Gate process
• Contribute and adhere to EHS standards and policies and connect to Avery Dennison's 2030 Sustainability Goals

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering required. Master/PhD degree preferred.

Proven experience leading new product development projects in a manufacturing environment preferred.

Strong project and time management skills.

Ability to interface effectively with multi-functional groups to define and execute overall objectives.

Strong technical background, scientific and engineering knowledge with emphasis on analytical skills, critical thinking, problem solving and statistical data analysis including DOE.

Deep understanding of material science - physical property testing, formulation, curing chemistry, analytical testing (FTIR, DSC, DMA, Optical Microscopy) and experience with rheology is preferred.

Understanding of different pressure sensitive adhesive formulations including emulsions, solvent acrylics and rubber-based systems is preferred.

Degree in Polymer Science, Chemistry, Material Science, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a comparable field (Masters and/or PhD preferred).

4+ years of industrial experience in product development.

Experience with Stage-Gate processes.

Solid understanding of analytical chemistry techniques and able to characterize properties (both chemical and physical) and interpret results from related analytical techniques as well as develop new techniques.

Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple projects at one time with high accuracy and attention to detail.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate and influence all levels of the organization effectively.

Experience with Google Suite (Docs/Sheets), statistical software (Minitab preferred), and AI tools is preferred.

Travel availability up to 10% of the time.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $86,025- $114,700 / year.

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.

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.