Research Engineering Technologist (Testing)

Overview (Scope Of Role)

The Research Engineering Technologist (Testing) is located in the Global Innovation Center-Exton (GIC-Exton) and supports the growth of Trinseo's Business Units through application development, technical service, laboratory testing, and polymer processing on both existing and new products. A significant component of this role involves preparing and evaluating polymeric materials. This position works on multiple projects simultaneously and interacts with all scientists and engineers in the group.

Responsibilities

• Prepare polymer formulations for processing via compounding, latex blending, etc.

• Process polymer formulations via extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, etc.

• Perform mechanical tests including notched Izod, tensile, Dynatup drop dart impact, melt flow rate, etc.

• Measure optical properties such as haze, color, gloss, and thermal properties.

• Accurately document all observations and experimental results in an electronic lab notebook.

• Analyze data to explain conclusions to an internal audience and write simple summaries of results.

• Schedule and perform preventative maintenance on owned equipment; troubleshoot and recommend improvements as needed.

• Train other operators as needed.

• Support the site EH&S policy and comply with all regulatory and internal requirements.

• Participate in EH&S activities provided by Trinseo.

• Report health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident, or injury incidents.

• Prepare paperwork, package, and ship out samples; maintain materials inventory.

• Perform area housekeeping.

• Support and promote routine operations as needed.

• Support and promote the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents.

• Technical support for routine compounding, molding, and testing of thermoplastic systems supporting TS&D and Scientists.

Qualifications

• High school Diploma with 5+ years of experience in polymer R&D laboratories and good laboratory practices or BS/BA degree with 2+ years polymer processing experience and good laboratory practice.

• Demonstrated expertise on injection molding, extrusion, and other polymer processing equipment.

• Experience with DSC, TGA, TMA, FTIR, GPC lab equipment is preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in sample preparation and mechanical testing.

• Demonstrated expertise in generating accurate and reliable data in a timely manner.

• Proficient with computer software applications, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• Good verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience with polymer synthesis and wet chemistry is a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

• Excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, and independent problem solver.