Research and Development Process Engineer, Automotive and Specialty Coatings

Job Purpose

Supports the New Product Introduction process by ensuring that all new products are fit for purpose and have a defined high quality manufacturing process as part of the project.   Develops and implements process conditions and specifications of new products. Improves and optimizes process conditions and specifications of current products. Assists in troubleshooting problems and identifying root cause analysis for manufacturing process failures.

Key Accountabilities

• As part of the Research and Development team, ensures the successful delivery of new products from development to commercialization.  
• Responsible for development and implementation of process conditions and process specifications of new product.
• In collaboration with manufacturing team, continuously improves and optimizes process conditions and process specification of current product.
• Will Interface with all functions such as Marketing, Integrated Supply Chain, and Sales on the industrialization of new products, raw materials, packagings  and recipe changes ensuring that changes on site are controlled and managed.  Will play a major role in commissioning, start-up and training during project execution.  Will then transfer technology to the manufacturing team.
• Provides expertise for onsite operations group during process-related troubleshooting issues.  Will work with Production Operations and Quality Technicians.
• Executes process studies, contributes to pre-projects and performs initial project scoping and business case development for capital project.
• Promotes health, safety and environmental regulations by ensuring that standards, policies, and procedures are adhered to in compliance with corporate, federal, state, and local requirements.
• Supervises and coaches junior team members.
• Performs other duties as required for the success of Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc.

Job Requirements

• Education and experience must include one of the following:
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with 5-7 years' roll-to-roll/converting experience.
  • Master of Science in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with 3-5 years' roll-to-roll/converting experience.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with 1-3 years' roll-to-roll/converting experience.
• Indepth knowledge and practical experience in roll-to-roll coating/converting processes and web handling (i.e., coating dies, winders, tension transducers, web surface treaters, vision systems, slitters, roll laminators).
• Ability to work with solvents, machinery, and computer systems.
• Knowledge and experience in Design of Experiments (DOE), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, and Statistical Process Control required.
• 3 years' supervisory experience.  
• Effective project management skills with the proven ability to manage projects, take initiative and perform duties in a self-directed manner.  
• Ability to interpret data and develop insights based on knowledge of chemical structures and reactivity, propose, and test hypotheses.  Must be able to summarize, organize and present data in graphical and tabular formats.
• Effective communication skills to interact with managers, team members, and customers with a diverse background.
• Maintain a safe and clear work environment in accordance with company safety rules to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations.
• Must be fluent in English.

Total Compensation

The compensation package for this position will include a base salary, annual bonus, and employee benefits that are effective the first day of employment.  

Perks for Joining AkzoNobel!  
Medical insurance with HSA • Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits • Annual bonus • 401K retirement savings with 6% company match • Generous vacation, personal and holiday pay • Paid Parental leave • Hybrid work for most exempt roles • Active Diversity and Inclusion Networks • Career growth opportunities on a regional and global scale • Tuition Reimbursement • Career growth opportunities • Employee referral bonus 

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