Product Development Scientist

The Senior Materials Scientist is responsible for developing new polymer formulations, working closely with internal functions like Technical Service, Sales, Marketing, Product Management and Manufacturing, and external customers. This individual owns the development of all required instructions, such as bill of materials, inspection plans and key manufacturing process parameters, to ensure that product quality and consistency are maintained.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads development of polymer formulations, meeting customer specifications and internal standards.
• Applies appropriate theories and scientific principles to new product creation for best solutions.
• Specifies and as required develops tests to ensure solutions meet or exceed customer specifications.
• As required recommends specifications for raw materials.
• Audits raw material suppliers as requested to ensure consistent raw material quality.
• Provides project management to platform development and large scope development programs.
• Works with Manufacturing to set target process parameters that can affect product performance and quality.
• Provides assistance and consultation to Technical Service on resolving product performance issues and processing problems.
• As requested presents technical papers at industry events and conferences to support, for example, new product launches and to promote thought leadership in the industry.
• Visits customers to present technical findings and introduce new products and their capabilities
• Provides technical leadership within the business via consultation and meetings.
• Works safely and promotes safety via raw material reviews and improved lab practices.

Required Skills:

• 4 year technical degree in engineering or chemistry in a polymers or materials field of study.
• 3 yrs. of related experience in the plastics or polymers industry, working on product or formulation development for polymer applications.
• Requires working knowledge of polymers and formulation.
• Ability to develop and expand an understanding and knowledge of products and raw materials.
• Use of design of experiment techniques and other statistical tests.
• Individuals in this position must have the ability to actively listen to customers, both internal and external, efficiently identify problem statements and implement solutions in a timely and customer focused manner.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Must have the ability to ask probing questions to truly understand product and market opportunities and to apply these customer technical requirements in the development effort.
• Ability to handle large quantities of projects and to multi-task.
• Strong project management skills.
• Must be able to function effectively in a team and matrix environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated success in new product development and launches.
• Publication of technical papers in industry conferences a plus
• Granted patents a plus.