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.