Location: Kendallville,IN, USA
A premier manufacturer is seeking a qualified Product Development Specialist to join their highly successful and growing team, located in Kendallville, IN. Relocation assistance available.
Responsibilities:
Conduct research to develop and optimize Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) compound formulations for various applications.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including chemists, material scientists, and production engineers, to design and implement experimental plans.
Perform material testing, analysis, and characterization to ensure product quality, consistency, and adherence to industry standards.
Troubleshoot and address technical challenges related to compounding processes, raw materials, and product performance.
Innovate and propose new ideas for product development, cost optimization, and process improvements.
Utilize statistical tools and methodologies to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions to drive decision-making.
Document research findings, experimental protocols, and results in detailed reports.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments related to PVC compounding.
Assist in the scale-up of laboratory-developed formulations to production-scale processes.
Requirements:
Bachelor's or higher degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related field. Preferred
5 years of plastics industry experience. REQUIRED
2 years of proven Polyvinyl Chloride PVC specific experience in research and development. REQUIRED (Without this experience, candidates will not be considered)
Strong knowledge of PVC materials, compounding techniques, and formulation principles and compounding machinery and equipment. REQUIRED
1 year of leadership experience in Manufacturing or Military. Strongly Preferred
Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical software/tools. Required
1 year of experience with process scale-up and technology transfer from laboratory to production. Required
Familiarity with polymer characterization techniques, such as rheology, thermal analysis, and mechanical testing. Preferred
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to PVC compounds. Preferred
Up to 20% travel with possibility of overnights.