Senior/Lead/Principal Scientist --Team Lead New Technology Development

Sunstar Engineering is a global leader in adhesives, sealants, coatings, and functional materials for the automotive, construction, and electronics industries. With over 95 years of history and a deep culture of innovation, Sunstar continues to drive new product development through materials science and engineering excellence. The New Technology Team is at the forefront of this mission—identifying, developing, and translating breakthrough technologies that will define Sunstar's future product platforms.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior, Lead, or Principal Scientist to serve as Team Lead of our New Technology Team, reporting directly to the Senior Manager of New Technology Development.

This highly visible role combines individual technical contribution with strategic team leadership. The successful candidate will independently lead innovative research and development projects while guiding a small, multidisciplinary team engaged in the creation of new-to-Sunstar technologies. In addition, this role serves as a global technical resource, supporting advanced materials and emerging innovation initiatives across Sunstar Engineering worldwide.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished scientist or engineer with a proven track record of innovation, value creation, and cross-functional collaboration, along with the communication and mentorship skills to inspire and develop technical talent within the organization.

 Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a high-level individual contributor, leading hands-on research and development of advanced materials and technologies.
• Supervise and provide day-to-day direction for the New Technology Team, setting priorities and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives set by upper management. Drive the creation and maturation of breakthrough technologies that support Sunstar's long-term growth and innovation roadmap.
• Act as a technical expert, contributing to Sunstar's global knowledge base and advancing technical excellence across the company.
• Mentor and develop scientists, engineers, and technicians—fostering creativity, critical thinking, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, business, and manufacturing teams to identify emerging opportunities and enable commercialization.
• Represent Sunstar Engineering at conferences, symposia, and customer meetings through presentations, publications, and technical discussions.
• Manage multiple research initiatives, ensuring timely progress, clear communication, and high-quality technical outcomes.

 Qualifications Required:

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D, materials development, or applied research.
• Demonstrated record of innovation and value creation, such as patents, publications, or commercialized technologies.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and mentor scientists or engineers. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience representing an organization to internal and external stakeholders.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Preferred:

• Experience in adhesives, sealants, coatings, polymers, or related material systems.
• Prior experience leading or supervising a research team.
• Strong global mindset and ability to collaborate effectively across functions and cultures.

 What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead and contribute to the development of technologies that will shape the future of Sunstar's product portfolio. 
• A collaborative, innovation-driven culture where technical excellence and creativity are valued.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter highlighting their technical 

achievements, leadership experience, and vision for innovation.