R&D Specialist III

Job Purpose

The R&D Specialist III is responsible for developing new film products and / or maintaining existing products.  This role will require you to have some professional work knowledge and experience to evaluate, select, and apply standard scientific techniques, processes, and criteria in the development, adaptation, and modification of new and existing products and technologies while under the guidance and supervision of Group Leader or similar.

Key Responsibilities

•    Complete assigned tasks related to the research and development of new products, new technologies, and updates of existing products using assigned materials and methods.
•    Performs or oversees the work on technical workstreams such as new product introduction, raw material changes, product testing, and root cause analysis.
•    Implement, troubleshoot, and continuously improve plant processes (reduce cycle and increase efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, increase batch yields, decrease manufacturing costs, etc.).
•    Work collaboratively with Production, RD&I, CI, HSE&S, and others to develop processes, and define safe and efficient operating procedures.
•    Plan/schedule short term (<6 months) activities and assignments and complete assigned tasks according to established plans and priority. 
•    Provide technical assistance and support to Production, Sales, and Marketing in support of product scale-up, quality control, application testing, and other cross-functional activities.
•    Investigate and determine corrective actions for production problems and customer complaints.  
•    Investigate production problems related to formulation, quality control, and manufacturing issues. 
•    Initiate the LWR (lab work request) process for product reformulation and proper manufacturing/QC instructions.
•    Maintains detailed technical records in the form of a Laboratory Notebook or Computer Databases.
•    Provide progress reports, monthly and quarterly reports, technical plans, and project summaries to ensure appropriate communication of project status and needs
•    Ensure proper testing procedures are in place and followed and review opportunities for alternative tests and equipment.
•    Review quality control documents and procedures. Perform quality audits and verify current practices against documentation. Update standard operation procedures when necessary.
•    Maintain and develop professional contacts including company personnel, vendors, and customers
•    Maintain a safe and clean work environment in accordance with company safety rules to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environments and safety regulations
•    Participate in Special Teams including safety, HSE, housekeeping, etc. as required
•    Performs additional duties as assigned and required
•    Travel requirement: <25%

Job requirements

•    A Master’s with 0 - 4 years of R&D experience or bachelor’s degree with 5 to 10 years in Chemistry or a related scientific field 
•    2-4 years of relevant R&D experience; coating and/or film related working experience preferred.
•    Knowledgeable of materials, products, and technologies frequently used within the scope an assigned project or laboratory group organization.
•    Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where standardization exists. 
•    Ability to understand, interpret, and execute a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and/or schedule formats. 
•    Ability to organize and interpret data, and develop insights based on knowledge of chemical structures and reactivity, propose, and test hypotheses, and draw conclusions.
•    Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. 
•    Ability to write reports summarizing data and work results.
•    Ability to apply concepts of algebra, basic statistics, and computer spreadsheet calculations.
•    Minimally able to use MS Word, Excel, and Outlook at a proficient level.
•    Able to perform common tasks utilizing MS PowerPoint, Optiva and SAP preferred
 

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

•    Regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tool, or controls, walk, and sit, lift objects up to 40 pounds.
•    Wear a variety of personal protective equipment including safety glasses, safety shoes, chemical resistant gloves, laboratory coat, and/or positive and negative pressure respirators. 

Compensation/Benefits

• Annual Salary Range:  $65,000 - $76,000
• Annual Bonus:  5%

Benefits beginning Day 1

Medical insurance with HSA, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits, 401K retirement savings with 6% company match (dollar for dollar), generous vacation, personal and holiday pay, Paid Parental leave, hybrid work for most exempt roles, Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks, career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale, Tuition Reimbursement, and Employee referral bonus.

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