Senior Technical Associate, Vinyl Technical Group

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Job description

Teknor Apex Vinyl Technical Group consists of passionate and talented chemists and engineers who have in-depth compounding knowledge in flexible and rigid PVC, highly flame retardant and low-smoke technologies, high performance elastomers, and superior weatherable materials. We welcome candidates who have strong interests and experiences in related areas. We consider our people as key assets and we prepare each team member for their career success based on the individual's interest and career plan.

A Sr. Technical Associate in Vinyl Technical Group is an essential part of the vinyl innovation. In this role, you will perform as the technical expert to resolve complex challenges from customers as well as to conduct strategic product development, property testing, and raw materials evaluation. You will also provide technical support to sales representatives and customers on our products such as making material recommendations, testing, and processing guidance. You will identify new opportunities and recommend technologies which can be incorporated into our current business.

The right candidate for this role will leverage strong innovation, project leadership, and technical problem-solving skills, to create new products and to continuously improve existing products and processes. This is an opportunity to apply your technical knowledge and creative mindset to help in the creation of new product opportunities while working cross-functionally in a collaborative environment.

Job Responsibilities:

* Conduct and direct key research and development in areas consistent with the business objectives
* Identify solutions or provide guidance to resolve complex technical challenges encountered by our customers
* Support manufacturing, QC, supply chain etc. to assure timely delivery of high-quality products
* Lead R&D through the stage-gate review process for new technology or product development
* Monitor related technical literature for new materials, products, and technologies
* In depth understanding of polymer science and materials including polymer blends and alloys
* In depth understanding of polymer additive chemistry and interactions
* Ability to perform as the project manager on specific R&D efforts including organizing and planning the project with a cross-functional team
* Ability to transfer new technologies to develop new products, improve material performance and process efficiency
* Ability to provide training to junior chemists and engineers to improve their technical and scientific skills
* Ability to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks, and prioritize them effectively
* Ability to understand complex technical issues and communicate them to others in a clear concise format

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

* 10 - 15 years of experience with a proven track record in polymer formulation and compounding technologies
* Minimum Bachelor's degree, Master or PhD preferred, in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering or other science/engineering majors required
* Demonstrated knowledge in basic regulatory affairs in plastic industry
* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally
* Proven ability to think creatively and the confidence to put forth new ideas and concepts
* Strong organizational and project management skills
* Ability to travel 10% to 25% of the work time