Chief Rubber Process Engineer

SUMMARY

As the Chief Rubber Process Engineering Manager, you will be at the forefront of driving innovation and efficiency in rubber processing operations. This pivotal role requires a blend of strategic planning, technical expertise, and leadership acumen. You'll lead the enhancement of rubber compound formulations, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and optimize processes for quality and efficiency. Your responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, effective delegation of tasks, and fostering collaboration across departments to ensure seamless operations and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Compound Improvement: Spearhead efforts to enhance rubber compound formulations, investigating new materials and additives to improve product performance, process performance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Troubleshooting Compound Issues: Investigate, diagnose, and resolve problems related to rubber compounds within the manufacturing process, collaborating with the team to implement effective solutions and prevent recurrence.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans for rubber processing operations, outlining goals, timelines, and resource requirements to achieve key objectives.
• Task Delegation: Delegate tasks effectively among team members, ensuring alignment with individual strengths and project requirements while maintaining a focus on overarching goals.
• Process Development and Optimization: Lead the development and optimization of rubber manufacturing processes, including compounding, mixing, molding, and finishing, ensuring adherence to quality standards and efficiency targets.
• Technology and Innovation: Identify and implement cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to enhance rubber processing techniques, improving product quality, reducing costs, and increasing production efficiency.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance protocols to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Team Leadership: Provide managerial leadership and guidance to a team of engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and professional development.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, production, and quality control to drive product development, troubleshoot issues, and optimize processes.
• Budget and Resource Management: Manage budgets and resources effectively, identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing resource allocation to achieve operational excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong expertise in rubber compounding, molding, curing, and finishing processes.
• Proven track record in process optimization, technology implementation, and quality assurance.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead and motivate teams effectively.
• Deep understanding of industry regulations, safety standards, and quality control processes.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in rubber processing, with significant experience in a managerial or leadership role

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to write and scale formulas, analyze data, use predictive modeling and set tolerances using mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data, uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Uses root cause analysis to minimize the risk of problems reoccurring.

• Customer Service - Manages customer requirements, responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; by meeting commitments.

• Oral and Written Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responses well to questions, demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings.

• Teamwork - balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others; views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently; sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results.

• Quality Management - looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.

• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decision; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality

• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formula, scientific equations, and graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Simulation and modeling software for process optimization and predictive analysis
• Data analytic and statistical software to interpret manufacturing data and make informed decisions
• Competence in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

Vibram is a growth company looking for team members to grow with it. Vibram offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment and a collaborative atmosphere for professional development.

Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.