Superintendent-Analytical Labs

SUMMARY

Provide leadership to ensure that the Technology Analytical & Characterization Laboratories provide accurate, timely analyses, continually improve methodologies, keep instruments in good repair, and stay abreast of new technologies that would improve our capability to serve the business and our customers. Provide internal assistance to troubleshoot issues in Westlake's Quality Control laboratories as well as assist in upgrading their technology to ensure the consistency of our products.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Using knowledge of scientific theory, work with chemists and engineers to develop new laboratory polymer test methods and safely implement improvements to existing methods. This includes conducting designed experiments and applying statistical techniques to determine test method capabilities and limitations, creating laboratory standards, developing calibration techniques, establishing test method parameter and analytical procedures, and conducting training for analysts on new methods.
* Conduct training programs for technicians, technologists, and chemists to keep their skills sharp, including development of training materials and delivery of training.
* Provide day to day work direction of chemists, technologists, and technicians working in the Analytical & Characterization Testing Laboratories. Prepare employee goals, communicates expectations & stewards performance.
* Assess the capabilities of individuals in the group and works with them to continually develop their skills.
* Act as a mentor within the Polyethylene business with regard to analytical & characterization issues. Specifically help with troubleshooting and method development for the quality control laboratories, Westlake's strategic customers, as well as within Technology.
* Assist in the maintenance of a Polyethylene "Resource Data Base", consisting of Westlake & Competitive resin characterization analyses.
* Work closely with the Manager - Applications Laboratories on employee cross training and collaboration to ensure an efficient project workflow through the various labs.
* Maintain current on new analytical and characterization technologies, consulting with OEM's regarding "state of the art" analytical/characterization equipment and techniques in industry practice. Effectively update Westlake labs' capabilities against expectations from strategic customers and Manufacturing.
* Act as Westlake's liaison with key Universities that can assist in performing complex testing methods that B51 laboratories are incapable of performing.
* Prepare or direct suitable papers for presentation to trade organizations, at industry seminars and/or in trade publications.
* Serve as key member of the Technology Leadership Team as well as frequent contributor to other business functions through attendance of the Product Team, Business Team, New Product Development Team, Quality Consistency & Reliability Team, etc.
* Perform an annual assessment of Analytical & Characterization laboratory technologies and capabilities. Prepare a capital expense budget for 1 - 5 year horizon that addresses identified weaknesses.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

* B.S. or B.A. degree in chemistry or polymer science with a minimum of ten (10) years of polyolefin testing experience considered; PhD in Analytical Chemistry preferred.
* A basic knowledge of the manufacture, testing, analysis, and application of polyolefins.
* At least eight (8) years of collaborative experience in performing testing support for a technology or business organization. Consideration given to experience in providing other types of technical services.
* Supervisor experience strongly preferred.
* Effective communicator at all levels of the organization
* Strong computer skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.