DuPont is seeking an
Adhesives Technical Service & Development (TS&D) Specialist in Auburn Hills, MI, where you will play a pivotal role in advancing innovative adhesive solutions for automotive OEMs, tier suppliers, and industrial customers. In this customer-facing position, you will serve as a regional technical expert, leading product development, application testing, customer qualifications, and technical problem-solving while helping customers achieve success with new and existing adhesive technologies. This role offers the opportunity to work independently, take ownership of impactful projects, and collaborate closely with global cross-functional teams across R&D, manufacturing, quality, commercial, and product management to deliver innovative, market-leading solutions.
Key Responsibilities- Support formulation development and optimization, process improvements, scale-up activities, substrate/qualification testing, and commercialization readiness for new and existing adhesive technologies.
- Collaborate with laboratory technicians to prepare, test, and evaluate adhesive samples using customer specifications, industry standards (SAE, ASTM), and internal test methods. Analyze mechanical, physical, rheological, and application performance data to develop clear, data-driven technical recommendations.
- Prepare and communicate technical information through data packages, reports, presentations, training materials, and customer approval documentation.
- Assist customer trials, product launches, and training activities, including on-site engagement.
- Lead or participate in troubleshooting, root cause investigations, 8D responses, FMEAs, corrective actions, and process standard improvements.
- Partner with manufacturing, quality, R&D, commercial, distributors, strategic partners, and customer teams to support our customers.
- Develop deep expertise in DuPont's adhesives portfolio, customer applications, competitive offerings, and regional market dynamics to provide technical insights that drive business strategy, customer value, and market growth
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Plastics Engineering, or a related field; or at least 5 years of relevant industrial experience will be considered.
- Experience in automotive, technical service, application development, R&D, manufacturing support, quality, or another customer-facing technical role.
- Hands-on experience in a laboratory or industrial setting, including sample preparation, testing, data analysis, and documentation.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, interpret data, and translate findings into clear recommendations and a path forward.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to customers and internal stakeholders.
- Capability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond to changing customer and business needs. Adhere to timelines for assigned work.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with digital, LIMS, ELN, or technical documentation systems preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 10%
Preferred Qualifications- Understanding of polymer materials, adhesive bonding, mechanical testing, application processes, or automotive assembly processes.
- Knowledge of adhesive dispensing, substrate preparation, surface treatment, curing, validation testing, and customer qualification processes.
- Experience with ASTM, SAE, customer-specific, IATF, or other automotive quality and testing requirements.
- Experience leading technical workstreams, customer trials, field troubleshooting, or root cause investigations.
DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.
