At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

 

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. 

The Dow Chemical Company has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Senior R&D/TS&D Technician in the Paper Coatings segment, part of Dow Coating Materials (DCM) located in Collegeville, PA. 

Job Summary:

DCM provides innovative raw material technologies that help advance the performance and sustainability of a broad portfolio of polymeric binders, dispersants, rheology modifiers, surfactants, defoamers, and wetting agents for a wide variety of end markets, including paints, traffic markings, industrial coatings, paper packaging, metal packaging, and performance additives. 

DCM's product portfolio for paper packaging includes a range of products and chemistries used in coating systems for paperboard, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, and specialty papers.  We offer a broad portfolio and strong legacy of technologies and chemistries, such as POLYCO™ and RHOPLEX™ binders that are well-known in the paper industry and have earned a reputation for excellence.  Our RHOBARR™ branded products are enabling new advances in sustainable paper and fiber-based packaging with unique combinations of superior barrier performance, processability, and certified pulpability/recyclability.

The Paper Coatings segment is a strategic investment area and growth engine for DCM.  Sustainability is an important market driver for brand owners, with increasing adoption of paper packaging formats because of high recycling rates, mature recycling infrastructure, and widespread consumer acceptance of paper packaging.  The candidate will provide laboratory support on a range of new product developments to drive growth in specialty paper with major brands and value chain partners. 

Current innovation efforts are focused on development of polymer chemistries with enhanced barrier performance to water, oil and grease, water vapor, oxygen, and aroma, alongside improved sustainability (including but not limited to bio-sourced and/or bio-degradable polymers) and recyclability and compostability certifications.  These market needs are fueled by increasing consumer and brand-owner demand for sustainable packaging solutions. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Interacts and communicates effectively with Paper R&D organization to support delivery of innovation projects.
• Interacts and communicates effectively with global TS&D organization on customer projects and generation of strategic market-relevant data to drive new business development in specialty paper.
• Conducts laboratory experiments with high degree of independence, effectively analyzes and communicates results, and provides recommendations on next steps.
• Handles complex laboratory tasks including methods and procedures and recommends variations in problem-solving approach.
• Holds essential know-how on safe operation of small-scale and large-scale laboratory equipment and change management processes, and implements these to Dow standards.
• Responsible for calibration, safe operation and routine maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, machinery, and systems.
• Uses knowledge of the relevant technology consisting of product, test methods, industry standards, and testing equipment to efficiently complete projects.
• Defines and implements new testing methods for development purposes which may require creating unique configurations of existing equipment or development/fabrication of new equipment, test methodologies, or systems.
• Documents laboratory findings in a timely and well-organized manner.
• Interacts and communicates effectively with other groups and departments to streamline critical laboratory operations (e.g. sample shipping, analytical support, etc.)
• Trains other work group members and contractors on specific work processes, equipment, and machinery.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of a High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 3 or more years of experience in a research lab or technical support lab. 
• Must be 18 years old or older.
• A minimum requirement for this U.S. based position is the ability to work legally in the United States.  No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or higher in a technical field or 4 years+ military training/experience.
• 5 or more years of experience in a research lab or technical support lab. 
• Experience with analytical equipment, methodologies, and capabilities.
• Experience with industrial coating equipment, such as gravure, curtain, rod, spray or dip coating.
• Experience analyzing and testing packaging materials.
• Strong prioritization, problem solving and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, such as Word and Excel, ability to organize and summarize experimental data, and ability to learn new systems quickly.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to meet the following physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations:
  • Frequent/occasional Lifting, pushing, and pulling material weighing approximately 10-25 lbs.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting
  • Stand most of the time.
  • Climb stairs and ladders.
  • Wear all required personal protective equipment.

Note: This position does not offer relocation assistance

Benefits – What Dow offers you 

We invest in you. 

Dow invests in total rewards programs to help you manage all aspects of you: your pay, your health, your life, your future, and your career.  You bring your background, talent and perspective to work every day. Dow rewards that commitment by investing in your total wellbeing.  

Here are just a few highlights of what you would be offered as a Dow employee: 

• Equitable and market-competitive base pay and bonus opportunity across our global markets, along with locally relevant incentives. 
• Benefits and programs to support your physical, mental and emotional well-being, to help you get the care you need...when you need it. 
• Competitive retirement program that may include company-provided benefits, savings opportunities, financial planning and educational resources to help you achieve your long term financial-goals. 
• Become a Dow shareholder through various employee stock programs.
• Opportunities to learn and grow through training and mentoring, work experiences, community involvement and team building. 
• Workplace culture empowering role-based flexibility to maximize personal productivity and balance personal needs. 
• Global Paid Time Off (PTO) policies:
  • Paid time off for new parents (birthing and non-birthing, including adoptive and foster parents).  
  • ​Paid time off to care for family members who are sick or injured.  
  • Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation. 

Join our team, we can make a difference together. 

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. ​​​​Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment.  We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.