Manager/Sr. Manager R&D

Job Description

Title              :  Manager/Sr. Manager R&D

Department:    R&D

Location      :   Chakan, Maharashtra

Reports To :    R&D Head (Automotive & Industry)

Company Profile

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industrial manufacturing. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation sector toward greater environmental compatibility. With more than 33,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.2 billion in 2025.

In the Automotive & Industry sector, it delivers innovative solutions to the world’s leading manufacturers and service providers in automotive OEM, commercial vehicles, automotive aftermarket, marine vessels, renewable energy, sandwich panels, industrial equipment, HVAC, home and commercial appliances, modular building, facades and fenestration. Sika India services direct customers and distributors and stay close to them via the central sales & marketing office in Pune, and a pan India sales team presence.

Overview

The R&D Sr. Chemist position at Sika in Pune involves developing and localizing innovative adhesive, sealant, and coating formulations for automotive and industrial applications with a focus on emerging technologies. This role demands strong expertise in polymer chemistry, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to support product scale-up and customer technical service.

• Responsibilities include leading product development, laboratory testing, project coordination, manufacturing support, and global collaboration aligned with Sika's Product Creation Process.
• Candidates must hold a Masters or PhD in relevant fields and have 5-10 years of experience in specialty chemicals, preferably with polyurethane or epoxy chemistries.
• The role emphasizes strict documentation, compliance with safety and quality standards, and high information security for proprietary data

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead development of new adhesive, sealant, and coating formulations aligned with business strategy and customer requirements.
• Adapt and localize global Sika formulations for local manufacturing and market requirements.
• Drive innovation projects in emerging technologies such as e-Mobility, lightweighting, battery solutions, sustainable materials, and advanced industrial applications.
• Identify opportunities for product enhancement, cost optimization, and performance improvement.

Laboratory Testing & Validation

• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments and application testing according to Sika standards and procedures.
• Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment and testing instruments.
• Develop, improve, and validate test methods and performance evaluation protocols.
• Interpret test data and prepare comprehensive technical reports and recommendations.

Project Management

• Manage product development projects in accordance with Sika Product Creation Process (PCP) guidelines.
• Develop project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure timely project completion.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities involving Operations, Quality, Procurement, Technical Service, Sales, and Global R&D teams.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and technical records.

Scale-up & Manufacturing Support

• Support pilot and commercial scale-up activities from laboratory to production.
• Develop manufacturing instructions, process parameters, and quality control requirements.
• Troubleshoot formulation, raw material, and manufacturing-related issues.
• Collaborate with production teams to optimize efficiency, quality, and consistency.

Technical Service & Customer Support

• Provide technical support for customer trials, product implementation, and problem-solving activities.
• Participate in technical discussions, customer visits, audits, and application evaluations.
• Investigate product performance issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Support key customer projects and strategic business initiatives.

Global & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with regional and global R&D colleagues to leverage technology platforms and best practices.
• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Technical Service, and Operations teams to support business growth.
• Share technical knowledge and contribute to internal training and capability-building initiatives.
• Represent local R&D in regional and global technical forums and project teams.

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure professional and accurate documentation of experimental work, project activities, and technical findings.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Protect intellectual property and ensure confidentiality of proprietary information.

Education:

• Master or PhD degree in Chemistry, Polymer, Materials Science or Engineering related fields.

Experience:  

• 8-10 years’ experience in R&D, Application Test, customer support, technical service in relevant market field of Specialty Chemicals, Adhesives and Sealants (Preferably Polyurethane).

Skills:

• Strong technical background in chemistry, including polymer chemistry, organic chemistry and material science.
• Hands on experience in product development of adhesive, sealants and coatings.
• Strong collaborator and team player.
• Good communication in English.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong background in Project Management.

Knowledge:

• Proficient in MS Office, SAP etc.
• Methodical and accurate documentation.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

Master or PhD degree in Chemistry, Polymer, Materials Science or Engineering related fields.

Additional Information

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training.  We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.