Research and Development Lab Lead

What does a cell phone in your pocket, a spaceship, and an electric vehicle have in common?

Ellsworth Adhesives specs in materials in each of those products!

Ellsworth Corporation, a global, industry leading distributor of specialty chemicals and equipment and adhesive manufacturer currently has a Research and Development Lab Lead opportunity at Ellsworth Adhesives. This role reports into KitPackers, LLC, an Ellsworth Corporation company located in Germantown, WI and is a 100% on-site role.

Want to continue to grow your career? This is an exciting time to be a part of Ellsworth, come join our team!

KitPackers is a GROWING industry leading packager of high-end adhesives for the aerospace, defense, technology, and automotive industries. Come work for us and enjoy a PTO allotment on your first day, great benefits, competitive pay, and a generous quarterly gainsharing (performance bonus) plan, as well as promotion opportunities within the department and the Ellsworth organization. Come join our growing team!

This role supports daily laboratory operations by guiding team members, coordinating workflows, and promoting adherence to quality and safety standards and serves as a technical leader and primary point of contact for lab activities, ensuring efficient execution of testing, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the R&D Lab in a clean, organized, and compliant condition aligned with company standards and safety protocols

• Lead day-to-day lab activities by assigning tasks, prioritizing work, and providing hands-on support to team members

• Coordinate lab scheduling, track supplies and chemical inventory, and assist with retains management, waste identification, and proper disposal

• Support preventative maintenance, calibration, and verification activities for laboratory equipment to ensure operational readiness

• Train and mentor team members on established test methods, instrumentation, equipment use, and data integrity practices; ensure training documentation is current

• Coordinate preparation of product samples to support customer service and technical requests

PERKS & BENEFITS

As an industry leader, we offer a competitive wage, bonus plan, and a comprehensive benefit package which includes Health, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Flexible Spending, 401(k), Employee Assistance, Paid Time Off and Holidays, Wellness Program, Social Events, Community Involvement and much more! for a summary of Employee Benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to support team collaboration

• 3+ years of professional related work experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field required

• Demonstrated customer service mindset, including the ability to respond effectively to internal and external requests

• Solid technical aptitude with a proactive approach to learning and development

• Commitment to safety, including recognizing and addressing unsafe conditions

• Proven ability to properly use laboratory equipment and materials while identifying improvement opportunities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. ​

#KPRL #Lab #R&D