Specialist R&D Engineer

Job Description

Are you a passionate and innovative R&D Specialist skilled in troubleshooting complex problems? Avery Dennison Performance Tapes is looking for a highly communicative, organized and diligent Specialist R&D Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of our business resilience projects, ensuring the continued success and sustainability of our products. You will report to the R&D Manager and play a crucial part in our innovation, business continuance, cost-out, and EU Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive product developments from concept to commercialization. Projects include business continuity projects such as raw material changes, cost out projects and projects to new product development and introduction, and maintenance of existing product lines.

• Translate product requirements into product specifications by selecting and testing appropriate materials, product designs, and manufacturing processes

• Manage and communicate the status of projects: prepare project plans, determine timelines and resources, present and effectively communicate information and progress to cross-functional teams and management

• Act as the R&D project leader to interface externally with customers and suppliers to define projects, communicate progress, identify solutions to technical issues, and demonstrate applied knowledge.

• Develop products following the New Product Design and Development Process and Stage Gate principles. Own design control requirements including creation of detailed specifications and design verification and validation plans and reports.

• Assist in the investigation of customer complaints and nonconformances as required.

• Develop test methods for new products.

• Assist with product risk management.

• Leverage internal and external experts to accomplish goals (e.g., Vendors, Research Institutes)

• Conduct literature and patent searches and give technical updates. Generate intellectual property disclosures as the opportunities arise and assist with patent filings.

• Independently determine and develop creative approaches to solutions.

• Provide hands-on technical support towards sales and marketing and manufacturing

We are a dynamic organization operating in a rapidly changing environment. Accordingly, the responsibilities associated with this position will change in accordance with the company’s business needs. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those set for the above.

Qualifications

• Master’s or preferably PhD degree in Polymer Science or Chemistry.

• 3-5 years research and development or product development experience required, experience with polymers, plastics and/or pressure sensitive adhesives preferred

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience with Technical Writing. Must be able to write technical documents clearly.

• Hands-on ability to analyze and creatively solve problems.

• Good knowledge of statistics (experience with Minitab is a plus).

• Ability to work in a team environment and interface effectively with cross-functional groups to define and execute overall requirements.

• Understanding of applicable computer systems, such as Google Workspace, statistical software, ERP systems and other function-specific software.

• Forward-thinking and digitally fluent, with experience or a strong interest in leveraging emerging technologies, including AI-powered platforms, to accelerate research, data interpretation, and innovation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong organizational and project management skills and attention to detail.

Additional Information

What we offer

Here's a glimpse of the great benefits you can expect:

• Comprehensive Financial & Health Security: Enjoy a 100% employer-paid pension and hospitalization insurance. Benefit from Meal Vouchers (€10), an end-of-year bonus, and a seniority premium. Through our Cafeteria Plan, you can convert your seniority days and end-of-year bonus and/or up to 10% of your monthly gross salary into personalized benefits like bike leasing, mobile devices, laptops, warrants, company cars, or other flexible options. We also provide a Solidarity Fund to support colleagues and families in times of loss.

• Time Off & Flexibility: 20 statutory vacation days on top of the 10 legal holidays, 18 extra days of reduction of working hours (ADV). We offer flexible working hours (start between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, finish between 3:30 and 6:00 PM) and teleworking opportunities for a better work-life balance.

• Continuous Development: Grow your career through a Personal Development Plan, creating and maintaining your own talent profile, and accessing specialized training programs, one-on-one coaching, and Dutch language courses to support your growth within our organization.

• On-Site Perks & Community: Take advantage of free parking, EV chargers, an on-site canteen, free coffee/tea, and "My Avery Dennison Benefits" for discounts on online shopping. We provide an Employee Assistance Program (Confidential counselor/assistance) and organize social activities.

Why join Avery Dennison

We are a global materials science and digital identification solutions company with locations in over 50 countries, and approximately 35,000 employees worldwide. As a science and innovation company, we believe that diverse teams are stronger teams. We are committed to fostering a culture of curiosity and courage, where you can grow your career with a company that has innovation in its DNA. Founded on creating real-world impact to enable a better future, we strive to provide an open, collaborative culture where diversity of thought is encouraged and respected. Hear from our employees about what it's like working at Avery Dennison. Learn more at .

Our Turnhout site , founded in 1978, provides a dynamic environment supporting other Avery Dennison divisions and employs approximately 420 individuals. The site plays a key role in manufacturing advanced adhesive solutions that address engineering, design capabilities, and sustainability challenges. These high-performance tapes are engineered for functionality, productivity, and integration, helping to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce waste. Serving sectors like automotive, building and construction, medical, and personal care, this business drives innovation and fosters sustainable practices.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avery Dennison is an equal opportunity employer. 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 any other protected status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact us to request an accommodation at Voir email sur jobs.smartrecruiters.com. In the EMEA region, we foster an inclusive culture through active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like Elevate, Unite, and our Mental Health group. Please visit our DE&I page to learn more about our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion approach.

Pay Transparency Statement

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.