Plastics Research & Development Engineer/Chemist

Description The position will support the R&D degaprment goals of improving product technology for manufacturing. It involves optimization of rigid PVC compounds, colorants and testing procedures. By evaluation and improvement of these processess, the Engineer/Chemist will seek to improve the quality, performance and cost of existing products as well as assist in the development of new products for construction applications. Specific projects will be assigned by the lab manager who will provide guidance in the design of experiments and interpretation of results.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Investigate specific aspects of product performance where improvements are needed of performance problems have been identified. Recommend modification of materials in processes to improve performance.

2. Assist with the resolution of technical problems identified by the manufacturing plants, particularly problems with PVC compounds, colorants or QA testing procedures.

3. Develop and recommend means to improve product quality where specific needs have been identified, ie, uniformity of product attributes and compliance with specifications. Analyze QA data as needed to define previous quality performance. Develop and implement appropriate improvements.

4. Evaluate and recommend for approval additional or improved sources of PVC compound raw materials or colorants. Assist with the development of appropriate specifications for these ingredients.

5. Modify PVC formulations to achieve specific improvements such as enhanced performance or reduced cost. Evaluate alternate formulations and generate test data to select the formulation with the best performance to satisfy project goals.

6. Evaluate and implement improvements as needed in the appearance and/or weatherability of the end products.

7. Work with other R&D group members to improve lab operations with regard to safety, housekeeping, efficiency and quality of results.

Requirements EDUCATION:  BS in Chemical Engrg., Plastics Engrg., Polymer Science or Chemistry or similar technical degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered.

EXPERIENCE:   Minimum of three years in plastics research, product development, technical service or related positions. Rigid PVC experience preferred.

SKILLS:
Effective verbal and communication skills. Effective computer skills including databases, spreadsheets and word processing. Familiar with plastics testing (rheology, thermal and physical properties, etc.) and extrusion. Familiar with PVC formulation technology and compounding.

TRAVEL:    Light travel under 20% expected

OTHER:    Safety and quality minded. Organized, detail-oriented and self-motivated.. Team oriented individual who will establish excellent working relationships with co-workers