R&D Lab Technician, 1st Shift, 7:30AM-4PM Mon-Fri

Company Description

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste and mitigate loss, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Our reported sales in 2025 were $8.9 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.
At Avery Dennison, some of the great benefits we provide are:

• Health & Wellness benefits starting on day 1 of employment
• Paid parental leave
• 401K eligibility
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program eligibility / Health Advocate
• Paid vacation and Paid holidays

Job Description

Avery Dennison is looking for a R&D Technician for our Reflective Solutions business based in North America. In this role, you will conduct testing and data collection associated with Research and Development (R&D) projects while working in a collaborative environment. You will also provide support to R&D Engineers with sample preparations, measurements, data analysis, assisting in pilot and production trials,  and testing developments following prescribed procedures. You report to the R&D engineer and will be based at our location in Mt. Prospect, IL. You will have the opportunity to learn product testing and experimental design and lead certain technical projects under the R&D team’s leadership. To be successful, you should have a strong aptitude for technical work, real passion for collaborative work in a team-based environment and enthusiasm and attention toward technical details. This role will be on 1st Shift, 7:30AM-4PM Mon-Fri.

CRITICAL OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES:

Setting Up & Maintenance:

• Conducts maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of laboratory equipment.
• Sets up test apparatus and conducts tests units following methods, procedures, standards, and sequences.
• Modifies equipment by adding, removing, or altering components as defined by predetermined diagrams and sketches. Corrects malfunctions by making adjustments or replacing parts or components as directed. Uses hand and small power tools, and various measuring and testing devices in performing job duties. May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures.
• Manage inventory of experimental raw materials; procure and ship raw materials for trials and finished goods to customers. Lifting of materials up to 50 lb might be involved.
• Order lab supplies, chemicals and glasses.

Testing & Research:

• Conduct testing and testing developments to support R&D projects.
• Participate in field trials and evaluations including the tracking of indoor and outdoor accelerated weathering samples;  provide measurements, observations, and document findings with written reports.
• Perform standardized sample measurements at prescribed intervals and input data into appropriate spreadsheets or databases.
• Communicate progress of tests to responsible R&D Engineers
• Collect accurate test data using properly calibrated analytical equipment, such as a colorimeter, spectrometer, photometer, peel adhesion tester, release tester, or tensile and elongation tester.  
• Generate samples using pilot or benchtop equipment including a film press (Carver), benchtop pre-color compounder (Brabender), hot roll laminator, squeeze roll laminator, thermalcycle, silk screen, pilot embosser, or pilot extruder.  
• Assist R&D Engineers with production trials by recording run conditions, making observations, collecting and preparing samples, and performing appropriate test protocol.
• Conducts developmental tests for new and/or modified products or product components. Confers with engineering and other technical personnel to resolve testing problems such as product or equipment issues, malfunctions, incomplete test data and interpretation.
• Support product development and existing products through material and performance characterization and trials at bench, pilot, and commercial stages.
• Collaborates with the R&D team to develop test methods and test protocols.

Observing, Recordkeeping & Evaluating:

• Provide written and graphical reports utilizing basic statistical tools and methods and pre-existing templates. Reports will include data, observations, and conclusions
• Delivers timely and accurate analytical results and technical reports for the purposes of supporting research projects, testing, troubleshooting and resolving customer complaints, as well as performing competitive product benchmarking, developing or improving existing products and supporting the various business or commercial teams.  
• Works closely with R&D engineers to analyze the test results, and come up with recommendations regarding improvements to test methodology, and product design. 
• Performs technical and record keeping duties in conformance with company and regulatory policies and standards to meet quality and accuracy requirements.
• Documents and labels the trial details using internal company softwares, which can be used to track the inventory or problem resolution, and understanding of product behavior under different processing conditions.
• Prepares product preliminary data sheets as needed.
• Creates raw material specs and product specifications as needed.

Safety:

• Practices all health and safety procedures, policies and practices of Avery Dennison.
• Practices excellent housekeeping.  Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Attends all required safety training.
• Participates in or leads lab safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Science or Engineering Technology. Technical Certification preferred. Bachelor of Science in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or other Sciences preferred.
• 1-2  years of experience as a laboratory technician or in a related field
• Demonstrates knowledge of procedures and equipment and general scientific and engineering knowledge. 
• Understanding of computer systems, such as Microsoft Office, Minitab, and function specific software.
• Knowledge of math/algebra as they apply to engineering field.
• Good analytical and problem solving skills. Good verbal and written skills.

Additional Information

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 other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, Avery Dennison requires all final candidates to successfully complete a comprehensive background check and a drug screening. These checks are conducted post-offer and are a condition of employment. All results will be considered in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. 
Reasonable Accommodations Notice
If you require accommodations to view or apply for a job, alternative methods are available to submit an application. Please contact (440) 534-6000 or  to discuss reasonable accommodations.