Formulation Chemist

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Job description

R&D Project Manager

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. (NYSE: SWM) ("SWM" or "the Company") is a publicly-traded, multinational, diversified engineered materials company which conducts business in over 90 countries and operates 24 production locations worldwide. Operating locations include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Luxembourg, Brazil, China, Belgium and Poland. SWM operates in two business segments, Advanced Materials & Structures and Engineered Papers. For the fiscal year ended 12/31/19, consolidated revenues were $1 billion.

We are problem solvers, innovators, and manufacturing experts.

Our employees share a passion for our products, customers, and the success of our organization. We generate the ideas, create the innovative solutions, manufacture the products and deliver the services that have made SWM a global leader for decades.

Summary of Responsibilities:

This role is responsible for development of new products, product extensions and existing product improvements, largely through the formulation of new coatings or enhancements to existing coatings. This person will lead new product development projects from idea generation to commercialization. The Chemist also makes recommendations for new technology or modifications to existing processes and methods to ensure consistent production of new products to meet or exceed specifications.

Primary Responsibilities:

Product Development

* Leads the research, analysis, and development of new productions or extensions of existing productions by selecting, formulating and/or developing new coatings and coating components. Will participate in the selection of appropriate film and mask substrates as needed.
* Leads product development teams, develop cost and time estimates for development and employ project manager principles to meet project goals.
* Develops target product specifications (external and internal) in conjunction with applicable departments as the project warrants (Sales, Marketing, Coating).
* Coordinates with Sales & Marketing on development of product feasibility assessments and works directly with customers on product development or process improvement projects.
* Maintains appropriate project documentation (including trial run reports, raw material analysis and product testing results)
* Formulates, prepares, and documents lab prototypes to meet specific requirement and uses statistically valid analysis and test methods.
* Coordinates with sales, marketing, coating and quality on the development and execution of product testing, both internal and external.
* Develops, leads, and actively participates in the Design Review process for new products.
* Additional duties as assigned.

Process Development

* Develop procedures and methods to improve newly developed products, processes and test methods.
* Identify or recommend modifications to equipment to enhance coating capabilities.
* Communicate and train personnel in developed methods.
* Coordinate with Coating supervisors and coating operators during experimental and process trials.

Manufacturing Support

* Provide technical support to internal and external customers
* Participate on process improvement teams
* Participate directly with problem solving on experimental runs.

Education/Certifications:

* Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Polymer science required.
* 3-5 years of experience required in coating and product development.
* Plastics industry experience preferred.
* Master's degree highly preferred
* Certification in one or more manufacturing improvement methodologies preferred.

Required Skills:

* Must passionately champion new product & process concepts.
* Must be an innovative problem solver and analytical thinker.
* Must be able to clearly define critical project requirements, appropriate technical approaches & solutions.
* Must have demonstrated planning & judgment skills using practical project management tools( including financial/budget impact assessment).
* Must have strong experience with statistical design of experiments and knowledge of testing protocols.
* Capable of independent work but also a strong team player.
* Must have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
* Ability to juggle multiple projects/tasks to meet required outcomes.
* Ability to work with/communicate technical information to a wide group of customers, co-workers and managers with varying technical comprehension.
* Ability to aggressively support his/her conclusions and recommendations in a constructive, professional manner.
* Proven ability to be innovative & creative.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams.
* Exhibit excellent organization, planning and multi-tasking skills.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.