Job Description

Plastisol Team Lead Scientist - Adhesives & Sealants
Company: Sunstar Engineering Americas, an MRA Member
Location: Springboro, OH
Full-Time

Sunstar Engineering is a global leader in adhesives, sealants, coatings, and functional materials for the automotive, construction, and electronics industries. With more than 95 years of history, Sunstar combines deep materials science expertise with a strong culture of innovation to deliver high-performance solutions to customers worldwide.

About the Role
Sunstar Engineering is seeking a Plastisol Team Lead Scientist to lead the day-to-day technical execution of our Plastisol Group with a strong emphasis on product development and commercialization.

This role balances hands-on formulation work with team leadership and project management responsibility. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in polymer science and plastisol/PVC formulation and experience executing structured product development processes, preferably APQP.

What You’ll Do

• Lead hands-on formulation and development of plastisol- and PVC-based adhesives and sealants.
• Provide day-to-day technical leadership and mentoring for the Plastisol Group.
• Manage multiple product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Apply structured project management and APQP or stage-gate development processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and commercial teams.
• Support scale-up, plant trials, validation, and launch activities.
• Serve as a technical interface with customers and internal stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For
Required:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 7 + years of formulation experience in adhesives, sealants, coatings, or related polymer systems.
• Hands-on experience with plastisol and/or PVC-based formulations.
• Strong polymer science and formulation fundamentals.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor technical staff.

Preferred:

• Prior team lead or technical leadership experience.
• Experience using APQP, stage-gate, or similar product development frameworks.
• Manufacturing scale-up and plant support experience.
• Automotive, construction, or industrial adhesive/sealant background.

Benefits
What’s in it for you?

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

We Make it Easy

Founded in 1901, MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves more than 4,000 employers, covering more than one million employees.

As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its member organizations thrive by offering the most comprehensive assortment of HR services, information, education, and resources to help build successful workplaces and a powerful workforce.

We partner with these companies working directly with their HR department and leadership to hire their talent. We are a direct line to the company, not an agency recruiter.