Development Engineer I

About the role

In this position you will be responsible for supporting business growth through the development and commercialization of new rubber products in accordance with meeting or exceeding the company's overall financial targets, goals and strategies. Responsible for leading all aspects of new product development: design, costing, development, trial run supervision, scale-up, documentation, communication, and technology transfer to the plant floor for effective commercialization. Ensures products are commercialized in accordance with Quality, Product Safety and Regulatory standards. Prepares written technical reports and recommendations summarizing findings for external customers and internal client groups. Maintains industry contact (raw material and equipment suppliers) and awareness of rubber formulation technologies, key internal processes, and customer processes. The Product Development Engineer reports to the Global Rubber Leader.

Qualifications

• BS degree in technical scientific field or Engineering with minimum 2 years of progressive experience, or Associate degree in technical field with minimum 2 years of progressive experience, or Non-degreed with minimum 4 years of progressive experience
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive experience in rubber technology
• Strong material knowledge, in particular, polymer, rubber and elastomer technologies
• Experience with analytical tests and interpretation of results for raw and cured rubber compounds
• Capable of performing routine physical tests and interpreting results for raw and cured rubber compounds
• Hands-on with pilot-scale rubber processing equipment (e.g., mixers, calenders, and related machinery)
• Highly self-directed, with proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks autonomously under time constraints
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of communicating with customers and operations personnel under stressful or adverse conditions
• Proven ability to work with minimal direction, analytical thinking, and problem solving ability
• Proficient computer literacy with established basic knowledge in general applications; word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and ERP systems

Preferred skills

• History of creative or innovative material development
• Proven track record in new product development, as well as product and/or process optimization
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks within time constraints with demonstrated project management ability
• MS degree in Engineering or a technical/scientific field is preferred; relevant industry experience is a plus

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000 plus bonus potential