Advanced Chemist, Product Technology

About the Role

This is a regional position in the Mylar Specialty Films Joint Venture, a member company of Celanese. The role is responsible for developing and commercializing technology for product development programs in polyester films. New products are developed following a stage-gate methodology using Design for Six Sigma tools. The position involves coordination and support of plant trials, development of coating, coating chemistry, polymer formulations, and film processing. In addition to developing new products, the Development Scientist participates in Market Growth activities and Manufacturing initiatives. Networking activities include leveraging technology from vendors, government, academic institutions, and other research centers. Successful customer interaction and customer need discussions are key elements of the role.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate technical aspects of new product development programs
• Lead new product development efforts
• Ensure safe execution of all lab work and plant trials
• Ensure environmental and product stewardship compliance
• Coordinate and participate in plant trials including material logistics and coverage
• Communicate with customers, suppliers, and development partners to achieve goals

Competencies

• Analysis and Judgment: Recognizes issues, problems, or opportunities and determines whether action is needed
• Building Sustainable Customer Relationships: Builds rapport and cooperative relationships with customers; seeks information to understand customers’ circumstances, problems, expectations, and needs
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
• Innovation: Generates innovative solutions in work situations; tries different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities
• Engagement: Demonstrates a willingness to actively commit to one’s work and invest time, talent, and best efforts to accomplish organizational goals; cooperates with others, acknowledges contributions, and engages in joint problem solving and idea generation
• Embracing Change: Approaches change or newness positively, treats change as opportunities for learning or growth, and focuses on the beneficial aspects of change
• Networking: Leverages relationships with vendors, academic institutions, and other research centers to advance development goals

Requirements

• A MS or PhD in Organic Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry is preferred. Degrees in another scientific discipline will be considered.
• Technical subject matter skills in material and formulation
• Project management skills and experience
• Ability to make clear presentations
• Effectively work with all disciplines within the organization to achieve goals
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Experience with patents and general intellectual property systems
• Trained in Six Sigma is preferred

Preferred Experience

• Experience with coating formulations, coating processes, polymer chemistry, or extrusion technology
• Experience with polyester, polyester films, or polyester film manufacture is highly desirable
• A working understanding of thermoplastic polymer property-process relationships

Pay

The expected salary range for this Virginia position is between $103,600 and $170,900, based on labor markets, work experience, and qualifications.