MATERIALS ENGINEER – DAYS – #2173

About the Role

Basic Function: This engineering position will lead the organization in managing the plastic materials and extrusion possessing technology in the plant. The engineer will lead the engineering department in material selection, qualification and defining an efficient extrusion process. The engineer will define and manage extruder technology and process equipment requirements. Independent decision making, project management and leadership in a process development and manufacturing environment will be essential in the success of the engineer in this role. All levels of engineering work from research and development to industrialization of processes in the plant are expected. Polymer science knowledge and the relationship with extrusion process will be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Leadership responsibility on the qualification and development of materials and related process technology for fiber optic cable extrusion processes for a variety of materials including PVC, PVDF, Polyethylene, Polyurethane and others.
• Provide material, additive and colorant knowledge to the Product Engineers.
• Research and understand processes related to polymers and additives.
• Maintain relationships with polymer/color vendors, manufacturing facilities and product engineering.
• Analyze and troubleshoot polymer‑related performance issues based on product design and processing.
• Design, develop and review with Test and Product Engineer(s) product testing related to finished product performance specifications.
• Interface with manufacturing to ensure materials and processes are efficiently producing products to internal and external requirements.
• Train personnel to understand the interaction of materials and extrusion parameters on the final product performance.
• Promote OCC’s service excellence and quality; provide excellent service to customers; build strong relationships and team cohesiveness; focus on quality and positive solutions; communicate respectfully; demonstrate compassion and understanding in response to customer request/needs.
• Champion OCC’s mission, vision and values; comply with policies and procedures, ethical standards and Code of Conduct.

Job Scope

• Organizational Responsibility – works with Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality.
• Communication – extensive communication with most departments on a daily basis.
• Confidentiality – handling sensitive corporate and department information requiring high levels of confidentiality.
• Financial Responsibility – tracking regulatory projects in order to document cost to company.
• Judgment – inaccuracies could impact regulatory and standards compliance, quality and customer satisfaction; financial impact due to errors.
• Compliance – regulatory compliance for UL and other standards requirements; SOX, ISO and other internal compliance requirements.
• Travel – limited but may be necessary as project needs arise (typically 10–20% of time).

Qualifications

• Required Education: Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, or Chemical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Experience: 3+ years experience preferred in processing polymers in a manufacturing environment.
• Other Minimum Qualifications: Strong technical ability to understand and implement engineering concepts and to perform independently.

Essential Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

• Good material science and extrusion process knowledge.
• Leadership skill to guide the organization in material science and plastic extrusion technology.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with sales, production, and engineering staff.
• Effective planning/organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to multi‑task and set priorities.
• Evidence of taking initiative and/or leading projects.
• History of working independently and as a member of a team.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a systematic approach for identifying problems, root‑cause analysis, and implementing fixes.
• Excellent computer skills – 50% of work on a computer using Word, Excel, Access, and ERP systems.
• Extensive knowledge and use of MS Excel to clearly communicate data to all audience levels.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks on a tight schedule.
• Basic understanding of polymer science testing methods.
• Basic knowledge of regulatory requirements for polymers as they relate to U.S. and international flame and smoke generation requirements.

Working Conditions

Job duties require engineering work, overnight travel and ambulation in office, testing laboratory, manufacturing plant, customer facility, and on‑site installation environments. Occasional lifting/pushing up to 50 lb. Sight and color vision required for detailed analysis, reading and computer work. Hearing required for communication with coworkers, vendors and customers and awareness of alarms. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions.

This role involves work contracted by the U.S. government and/or other federal agencies, which requires that all personnel involved are U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. Candidates must be able to present valid documentation indicating that they are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

Schedule

8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday.

Compensation

Salary range: $59,477.00 – $99,129.00.

Benefits

OCC offers a competitive benefits package that includes company‑sponsored health, dental, and vision plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage, optional supplemental insurance plans (including critical illness and accident), a 401(k) plan, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), education assistance,