The Opportunity:
Our client is a global leader in the manufacture of spun yarns and cosmetic cotton products. Part of their ongoing success is that they are committed to ongoing research and development into polymer science. We are supporting the growth of this function through the hiring of an R&D Engineer - Advanced Materials to support this group and the wider business.
You will be working on exciting projects to make the world a better place, such as the development of enhanced polymer additives for to improve biodegradability in the plastic sheeting/film market!
The successful candidate in this role will innovate and develop new materials and technologies for our client, suing state of the art testing facilities and resources. The role focuses on researching advanced materials to create and improve products, driving technological advancements and supporting the company's growth in material science. Based in North Carolina, there will be a high degree of collaboration with stakeholders and clients both internally and externally with a limited amount of travel to support these parties.
Relocation assistance to North Carolina (within the USA for those already with the right to work) may be available for the right candidate.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting business objectives and initiatives
- Complete the development of technologies for polypropylene markets; including carpet, nonwovens, and industrial products
- Executing trials and working with the sales team and customers to commercialize efforts
- Developing and supporting innovation across all company divisions
- Preparing timely and well-communicated updates and reports for project and task assignments
- Developing solid working relationships with coworkers across all business units
- Actively participates in personal and professional development workshops/training offered by the company including updating knowledge in commercial fiber and polymer processes and chemistry
- Designing and planning research trials, using established systems to plan and record data, analyze
- data and hypothesize for experimentation
- Ability to read and understand competing patents.
- Recording detailed notes for future patents
- Analyzing other technologies for compatibility
- Educating the sales team on R&D developments
- Managing raw material shipments for trials
- Managing relationships with technical team members of collaborating companies and managing R&D trials with manufacturers
- Scaling R&D efforts and searching for new development opportunities
- Providing technical recommendations for new and existing customers
- Travelling domestically and internationally as necessary, to provide technical support before and during trials
- Collaborating with Community Colleges and Universities on product development
- Tracking progress of R&D projects from start to finish
- Scaling R&D from concept/idea to commercialized product
What you'll need to be successful:
- 0-5 years of experience in man-made fiber, polymer, or chemical industry
- Proven ability to take ownership of projects and to manage them whilst collaborating effectively with multiple cross functional teams
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with team members and customers
- Attention to detail
- Minimum BS in Chemistry; or Chemical, Mechanical, or Textile Engineering
- Masters and or Graduate work preferred