Polymer Scientist

Polymer Scientist - Compounding - Cleveland, OH Area

DESCRIPTION:

The Polymer Scientist is responsible for developing material solutions, working closely with internal functions like Field Development Engineers, Sales, Marketing, Product Management and Manufacturing, in conjunction with OEM/Tiers. 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. Product Scientist owns the development of all formulations and related activities such as bill of materials, inspection plans and key manufacturing process parameters, to ensure product quality and consistency are maintained.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the completion of customer specification approval packages
• Responsible for product formulation & process development. Requires designing and conducting experiments toward the development or improvement of custom polymer compounds for automotive application. ​
• Responsible for developing a testing plan, procedure, perform data analysis and review of results
• Plan, organize, and oversee product development and scale-up trials​
• Characterize material solutions in lab to meet cost, performance, industry standards, and desired life cycle performance. ​
• Present technical findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders including senior leadership. ​Leads development of formulations and process to meeting customer specifications and internal standards.
• Generate ideas for new products and researching feasibility in terms of profitability, resource availability, and specification compliance​.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, products, and market trends
• Liaise with FDEs, Sales, Manufacturing, Sourcing
• Recommend and develop raw materials specifications as needed.
• Audit raw material suppliers as required to ensure consistent quality and performance.
• Promote visibility in the marketplace by participation in relevant technical conferences and expositions, as well as industry/government/academia initiatives​
• Provide technical project management to platform development and large scope development programs.
• Work with Manufacturing to set target process parameters that can affect product performance and quality and establishes inspection plans.
• Provide assistance to Technical Service on resolving product performance issues and customer complaints.
• Visit OEM/Tiers to present technical findings and introduce new products and capabilities
• Provide technical leadership within the business and at the OEM/Tier level
• Work safely and promotes safety via raw material reviews and improved lab practices.
• Develop new products and enable positioning of existing products in new applications
• Develop and maintain competitive and patent landscapes for Compounded products and technologies, develop and maintain IP protection Drive product innovation, manufacturing scale-up and new manufacturing solutions
• Build external network with suppliers, customers, institutes & universities
• Promote open technical communication including knowledge management.

BACKGROUND PROFILE:

• Ph.D. or a M.S in Materials/Polymer Science with minimum of 7 year of automotive experience
• Extensive knowledge of the formulation and application of Engineered Thermoplastics and composites
• Demonstrated product development skills and hands-on experience with compounding and post processing/forming capabilities
• Demonstrated success in new product development in automotive and vehicle launch cycles
• Six Sigma (DMAIC and DFSS) training/knowledge are preferred
• Publication of technical papers in industry conferences a plus
• Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to effectively work with individuals at all levels of the organization and across functional disciplines (e.g. business leaders, customers, technicians, engineers, and manufacturing teams)
• Demonstrated teambuilding and leadership skills, ability to inspire and influence others, providing purpose and direction.
• Excellent technical, written and verbal communication skills; able to deliver technical messages effectively to non-technical stakeholders and team members
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deliver on their objectives
• Ability to develop and expand an understanding and knowledge of products and raw materials.
• Use of design of experiment techniques and other statistical tests.
• 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.
• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.