About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Research & Development / Product Development Specialist to lead the research, development and testing of a new generation of liquid rubber roofing products.
The objective of this role is to develop a unique, high-performance liquid-applied rubber roofing system capable of providing reliable waterproofing and long-term performance across challenging UK weather conditions, including rain, damp and wet substrates, low temperatures, high temperatures, UV exposure and repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to take a product from initial research and formulation through laboratory development, field trials, testing, refinement and eventual commercialisation.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a key role in developing a new product for the construction and roofing market.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Product Development
- Research existing liquid rubber, elastomeric, polymer and liquid-applied roofing technologies.
- Investigate raw materials, polymers, rubber technologies, resins, additives, fillers and performance-enhancing components.
- Develop and evaluate new product formulations.
- Investigate technologies capable of providing adhesion to wet and damp surfaces.
- Develop formulations designed to perform in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.
- Research methods of improving flexibility, elasticity, durability and crack-bridging performance.
- Investigate UV, water, weather and chemical resistance.
- Research methods of improving adhesion to common roofing substrates.
- Identify opportunities to create a genuinely differentiated product rather than simply replicating existing products.
Laboratory Testing
- Establish laboratory testing procedures for new formulations.
- Prepare and test product samples and formulation variations.
- Test adhesion to different substrates, including concrete, felt, asphalt, timber, metal and other common roofing materials.
- Conduct tests for waterproofing and water resistance.
- Evaluate flexibility and elasticity.
- Test crack bridging and movement capability.
- Conduct accelerated weathering and UV-resistance testing.
- Investigate performance under different temperature conditions.
- Test application characteristics including viscosity, coverage, curing time and ease of application.
- Record, analyse and report all test results.
Wet-Weather Performance
A key objective of the project will be the development of a product capable of providing reliable performance in wet and damp conditions.
The successful candidate will therefore investigate and develop solutions relating to:
- Application onto damp substrates.
- Application during light rain or wet-weather conditions, where technically feasible.
- Adhesion in the presence of moisture.
- Resistance to water wash-off before full cure.
- Curing and film formation under high humidity.
- Performance during low temperatures.
- Long-term waterproofing performance after exposure to repeated wet/dry cycles.
All claims regarding wet-weather application and performance will need to be supported by appropriate testing and evidence.
Product Performance & Optimisation
- Establish product performance targets and technical specifications.
- Compare prototype formulations against competing products.
- Identify weaknesses and develop improvements.
- Optimise formulations for performance, cost and manufacturability.
- Improve shelf life and storage stability.
- Investigate application methods and equipment.
- Develop recommendations for primers, preparation systems and compatible substrates where required.
- Work towards a formulation that can be manufactured consistently at commercial scale.
Field Trials
- Design and coordinate controlled field trials.
- Test prototype products on different roofing systems and substrates.
- Monitor products following application.
- Assess performance over time and under different weather conditions.
- Collect feedback from roofing contractors and applicators.
- Identify and resolve practical application problems.
- Use field-trial results to refine the formulation and application system.
Technical Documentation
- Maintain detailed R&D records.
- Maintain formulation and testing documentation.
- Prepare technical reports and product development reports.
- Produce test procedures and technical specifications.
- Maintain records of formulation changes and development stages.
- Assist with technical data sheets, application instructions and safety documentation.
- Work with external laboratories and certification/testing bodies where required.
Compliance & Certification
- Research relevant UK and European standards applicable to liquid-applied roofing and waterproofing systems.
- Identify appropriate testing and certification requirements.
- Coordinate external testing where required.
- Ensure product development is supported by appropriate technical evidence.
- Assist with preparing the product for commercial launch and market compliance.
Commercialisation
The successful candidate will work closely with management to take the product from concept to commercial product.
Responsibilities will include:
- Assessing the commercial viability of formulations.
- Balancing product performance against raw-material cost.
- Developing a commercially viable manufacturing specification.
- Working with suppliers to source suitable raw materials.
- Assisting with scale-up from laboratory batches to production batches.
- Supporting manufacturing trials.
- Identifying opportunities for future products and improvements.
- Protecting confidential formulation and technical information.
Essential Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Polymer chemistry.
- Rubber technology.
- Coatings technology.
- Adhesives.
- Construction chemicals.
- Waterproofing systems.
- Roofing products.
- Sealants.
- Paints and protective coatings.
- Formulation development.
- Construction-material R&D.
- Laboratory product testing.
The candidate should have a strong understanding of materials science, polymer behaviour, formulation development and product testing.
They should also be comfortable working independently, designing experiments and solving technical problems.
Desirable Experience
Experience with any of the following would be highly advantageous:
- Liquid rubber roofing.
- Liquid-applied waterproofing systems.
- Acrylic, polyurethane, SBR, EPDM or similar polymer technologies.
- Polymer-modified coatings.
- Moisture-cured or water-based formulations.
- Rubberised waterproofing products.
- Construction adhesives or sealants.
- Accelerated weathering testing.
- UV and temperature testing.
- Adhesion testing.
- Crack-bridging testing.
- Development of construction products for commercial manufacture.
Qualifications
A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as:
- Chemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Engineering
- Rubber Technology
- Coatings Technology
is preferred.
However, significant practical R&D experience in rubber, polymers, coatings, adhesives or construction chemicals may be considered in place of formal qualifications.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
- Innovative and commercially minded.
- Highly analytical and methodical.
- Practical and hands-on.
- A strong problem solver.
- Comfortable conducting experiments and testing.
- Able to work independently.
- Highly organised with excellent record keeping.
- Persistent when developing and refining formulations.
- Able to communicate technical information clearly.
- Passionate about developing new products.
- Comfortable working in a start-up/product-development environment.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to join an ambitious product-development project with the potential to create and commercialise a new roofing technology for the UK construction market.
The successful candidate will have significant responsibility and the opportunity to influence:
Research → Formulation → Laboratory Testing → Field Trials → Product Certification → Manufacturing → Commercial Launch
The role offers the opportunity to become a key member of the team responsible for bringing the product to market.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining:
- Your relevant R&D experience.
- Your experience with polymers, rubber, coatings, adhesives or construction chemicals.
- Any products you have previously developed.
- Your laboratory and testing experience.
- Your experience taking products from concept through to commercialisation.
Pay: From £54,400.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
