Alltrista - Polymer Processing & Compounding Engineer - Reedsville
Alltrista Plastics LLC, is a subsidiary of Jadex Inc., and is a leading manufacturer in high-volume, precision injection molded parts. The company designs and manufactures with proprietary engineering processes and extensive manufacturing capabilities, from five (5) locations worldwide. From the first spark of an idea, through the design of the mold to the actual manufactured product, Alltrista Plastics focuses all efforts on delivering innovative plastic solutions. The company’s core markets include Consumer Products, Medical/Healthcare, Personal Care, Health & Beauty, Caps & Closures, and Packaging.
R&D Engineer (Polymer Processing and Compounding) - Reedsville, PA
Position Summary
Reporting to the SVP of Innovation, the Polymer Processing & Compounding Engineer is responsible for the development and testing of polymer materials including compounding of polymers, prototyping, and designing new equipment to process these materials.
Primary Functions
- Provide support for all polymer molding operations and work with team to address customer requirements and work to resolve issues quickly.
- Analyze and evaluate the success of each new polymer and compounded additives.
- Research, analyze and consider implementation of advancements in polymer processing and compounding technology and select polymers for new applications and testing.
- Other duties include advancing product improvement strategies, safety practices and promoting efficient lab operations.
- Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of himself/herself, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by
reasonable accommodation.
- Requires regular attendance to perform essential element as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
- Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.
- Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Corporation and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities
- Positive ambassador for our company’s purpose, vision and mission
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills
- Independently plan, develop and implement new methods, technologies, process improvements and work practices in polymer compounding and extrusion.
- Ability to conduct polymer compounding and mixing trials for new product formulation requirements and innovations.
- A working understanding and the ability to troubleshoot problems with polymer extruders, its components and control systems.
- A broad knowledge of thermoplastic polymer materials, additives and fillers used in extrusion molding of polymer strands.
- Working experience of formulating to achieve improvements in mechanical, physical and thermal properties of thermoplastic polymers.
- Working knowledge of cooling and converting polymer strands into pellets using pelletizer equipment.
- Designing and planning capital equipment layout and installation.
Key Qualifications
- BS or MS in polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or related curriculum.
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience with industrial compounding and extrusion of thermoplastic polymers.
- 3-5 years of statistical ANOVA software experience (e.g. JMP or miniTab).
- 3-5 years of experience with testing of compounded polymer properties including rheological, mechanical, thermal, physical and morphological.
- Knowledge of the state-of-the-art and latest advancements in polymer processing and compounding technologies.
- Act as an interface between R&D, operations and various business units, including external partners, as well as providing technical support and problem solving
- Provide sound technical expertise to peers and customers
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-oriented environment.
- Document and report development and results in reports and for projects, patents and publications
- Familiarity with injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and related technologies.
- Estimation of production cost of manufacturing
Physical Requirements
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Environment: Normal manufacturing environments; work with machinery and media in or around confined spaces; exposure to chemicals, grease and oils.
Physical: Sufficient physical ability to perform heavy lifting and carrying; reaching, kneeling, crawling, climbing; standing for moderate periods of time.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Other: Ability to work overtime or occasionally on weekends with short notice.
Specifics:
- Competitive compensation
- Full benefits package
- 401K with match
- Strong vacation and corporate holiday policy
Other details
- Job Family R&D
- Pay Type Salary
- Reedsville, PA, USA