Associate Technical Specialist

Company Profile:

The Baerlocher group of companies is one of the world's leading additive suppliers, drawing on experience from more than 200 years of company history. We are known as a leading producer of additives developed for the processing of PVC and SPA products. The company provides solutions for window profiles, pipes, cables, floorings, foils, films and many other applications with a focus on offering a wide range of innovative additives that meet the highest requirements in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and finished product quality.

Job Summary:

Baerlocher is currently seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Associate Technical Specialist to join our PVC team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and contribute to the development and implementation of technical solutions. This position offers a unique opportunity for growth and career advancement within our organization. The person holding this position must be capable of self-managing multiple projects for PVC applications from ideation through commercialization to meet our customer’s needs throughout North America. These projects can include thermoplastic polymer stabilization, polymer lubricants, additive blends, metal soap synthesis as well as general organic synthesis. This position is also responsible for helping develop and monitor business activities/plans to sustainably grow new and existing market areas.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with sales and technical personnel to implement efficient technical solutions to meet our customer’s needs
• Assists sales and marketing, including visiting customers and providing technical support as needed
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for raw material sourcing
• Manages and conducts product development projects with support from senior technical staff
• Understands the influence of various additives on the customer’s final product
• Learns various methods of additive addition
• Learns the chemistry and impact of additives on customer end use markets
• Provides recommendations to manufacturing in establishing processes for new and existing additives
• Supports and trains Application Specialist on lab practices and procedures
• Assists Baerlocher purchasing and production in the evaluation and approval of critical raw materials
• Manages customer samples and notifications system
• Defines critical quality attributes of products produced for Quality Department
• Organizes, defines, and completes customer and general lab evaluations
• Supports production in developing processing guidelines and resolving issues
• Helps trouble shoot specific customer problems
• Responsible for adhering to the Quality Management System

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills along with attention to detail
• Ability to work well with others in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong problem solving skills
• Demonstrates ability to influence others without direct accountability
• Capable of self-managing multiple projects to meet deadlines, performing testing accurately and consistently, and reporting results
• Takes on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks
• Learns quickly when facing new situations
• Understands stage gate methodology for commercialization and technical development
• Experience with ISO and Quality Systems and Assurance programs
• Manages multiple processes and testing methodologies to optimize efficiency and workload
• Demonstrates ability to manage projects from ideation through commercialization
• Able to translate voice of customer for existing markets into development of new products/solutions
• Experience in delivering client-focused solutions based on customer needs

Education/Relevant Industry Experience:

Minimum:

• BS (or equiv) in Chemistry, Chemical or Polymer Engineering, or a related degree AND 3 years in a lab OR technical role; or 10 years experience in a technical role pertinent to the market segment Proven account management or other relevant experience
• Clean driving record for insurability
• Willing to travel 10-30% of the time
• Has good written and oral communication skills along with attention to detail

Strongly Desired:

• Holds an advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Polymer Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or closely related field
• Prior industry experience in PVC or polymers
• Six Sigma and DOE experience
• Understands stage gate methodology for commercialization and technical development
• Experience with ISO and Quality Systems and Assurance programs

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing
• Exposure to chemicals and powder substances

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary
• Yearly bonus
• Paid vacation
• 14 paid holidays
• Health, dental, and vision plans
• Company paid life insurance, short term disability, and long term disability
• 401(k) with company matching contribution