Plant Chemist

Job Title: Plant Chemist

Location: 4031 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL 36303

Full Job Description:

Join Twitchell, a global leader in performance fabrics and surfaces. We believe our culture is what differentiates us from the competition. If you’re looking for a chemistry role where you can grow and thrive, and think you have what it takes, we invite you to apply!

SUMMARY: We are looking for a dedicated and skilled Plant Chemist with expertise in science, technical data, and polymer chemistry. You will play a crucial role in advancing our research and development initiatives, focusing on creating innovative formulations and conducting environmental and safety monitoring. Your contributions will be essential in meeting and exceeding both current and future product and production demands.

Knowledge & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific discipline required. Three or more years of experience in manufacturing operations or a similar environment related to R&D/Technical role. Knowledge of polymers, extrusion, or textiles is a must.

Skills & Abilities: Expertise in Microsoft applications as well as other word processing and date collecting software. Must be well versed in problem-solving techniques as well as talented in managing multiple high-level projects. Should have a skilled understanding of polymer chemistry and polymer chemistry applications. Color vision, color differentiation, and color perception abilities are necessary. A highly motivated, resourceful, innovative, and self-driven individual with exceptional written and verbal skills is vital.

Working Conditions: Includes some office work that is typical of an office environment along with occasional work inside of a laboratory and on the manufacturing floor. Work in the laboratory and on the manufacturing floor will offer exposure to non-ambient temperatures at times, noise levels requiring PPEs, open flames, and electrical/pneumatic equipment. Safety glasses will be required in these non-office areas. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

•       Manage, develop, and create SDS for all departments and new products.

•       Supervise and evaluate lab technicians to accomplish the necessary tasks for COAs and individual customer requirements.

•       Perform analytical testing and evaluate product performance for COA/COC and technical bulletins.

•       Coordinate with all department managers to ensure product, safety, and quality goals are met.

•       Conduct research, gather data, design experiments, and analyze results.

•       Create, revise, and format templates for coating operator usage to improve quality control and productivity.

•       Arrange for nonhazardous/hazardous waste disposal.

•       Manage environmental permits and applications and submit monthly discharge monitoring reports to city, state, and federal governmental agencies. Correspond with the agency representatives through emails and inspections to ensure company compliance. Maintain environmental records.

•       Complete monthly, semi-annual, and annual air emissions reports.

•       Conduct internal and environmental inspections: bi-weekly and monthly. 

•       Ensures certification compliance.

•       Provide technical assistance to quality, customer service, sales/marketing, purchasing, and current/potential customers.

•       Research and develop new formulations to include polymeric chemicals, specialty performance additives, and production aids to meet or exceed current and new product and production demands.

•       Research and develop chemical additives to modify the physical and chemical properties of the fabric.

•       Write, monitor, and evaluate manufacturing trials for research projects.

•       Assist in the research of purchasing finished compounds, maintain supplier and customer specifications, and evaluate the quality of raw material components.

•       Assign and distribute specialty yarn and master PVC color numbers, prepare USMCA forms for exports, conduct SPCC/Pollution Prevention Training, prepare HPDs (Health Product Declaration), EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), and provide direction and support to the QA coordinator to maintain ISO documents.

•       Some travel will be required.

•       Performs all other duties as assigned by the VP of R&D/Products.

Benefits:

·        401(k)

·        401(k) matching

·        Dental insurance

·        Employee assistance program

·        Flexible spending account

·        Health insurance

·        Life insurance

·        Paid time off

·        Relocation assistance

·        Tuition reimbursement

·        Vision insurance