Job description:
1. Summary of the roleTechnical Leadership & Material Expertise- Act as the subject-matter expert on rubber materials, formulations, and processing interactions.
- Analyze how raw materials, mixing parameters, and downstream processes affect compound performance.
- Evaluate the consequences of formulation or process changes and provide clear guidance to stakeholders.
- Support quality, purchasing, and customer-facing teams with technical insight and problem-solving.
Compound Development Ownership- Lead the full lifecycle of compound development-from initial concept and formulation through pilot trials and full-scale production.
- Maintain accountability for performance, manufacturability, cost, and customer satisfaction at every stage.
- Document development work, testing results, and decision rationales to ensure traceability and continuous improvement.
R&D Mixing Lab Leadership- Establish, equip, and operate an R&D mixing laboratory to support innovation, testing, and rapid prototyping.
- Develop lab procedures, safety protocols, and testing workflows aligned with production requirements.
- Use the lab to accelerate development cycles, validate new materials, and troubleshoot production issues.
Collaboration with Mixing Facility- Partner closely with the mixing facility and team to align capabilities, processes, and development needs.
- Ensure smooth scale-up from lab to production by coordinating trials, optimizing parameters, and validating performance.
- Provide technical training, guidance, and support to mixing personnel as needed.
2. Tasks and ResponsibilitiesCore ResponsibilitiesFormulation & Recipe Development- Develop new rubber formulations and compound recipes tailored to performance, processing, and cost requirements.
- Maintain and continuously refine existing formulations to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with evolving material availability and customer needs.
Cost Optimization & VAVE- Identify and execute material-based cost-reduction opportunities without compromising performance.
- Lead Value-Add/Value-Engineered (VAVE) initiatives by evaluating alternative raw materials, optimizing formulations, and improving process efficiency.
Project Leadership- Drive technical and cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with timelines, deliverables, and business objectives.
- Coordinate with purchasing, quality, production, and customer teams to ensure smooth execution and clear communication.
R&D Lab Development- Build and develop an R&D laboratory to support formulation work, testing, and rapid prototyping.
- Establish lab workflows, equipment needs, safety practices, and testing capabilities that mirror or support production processes.
Team & Meeting Leadership- Lead technical discussions, cross-functional meetings, and project reviews with clarity and authority.
- Facilitate collaboration across departments to ensure alignment on materials, processes, and development priorities.
- Work cross-functionally with Application Engineering and Sales to translate customer needs into innovative material solutions that enable growth.
Continuous Improvement- Champion continuous improvement initiatives across formulation, mixing, testing, and production processes.
- Use data, testing results, and root-cause analysis to drive improvements in quality, performance, and efficiency.
Technical Communication & Presentations- Prepare and deliver clear, compelling presentations for internal teams, leadership, and customers.
- Translate complex technical information into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
Data Analysis & Reporting- Analyze test results, production data, and material performance trends to guide decision-making.
- Compile concise, well-structured summaries and technical reports that document findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
3. Education and Experience- Bachelor's/Masters Degree and min. 5 years experience.
- Polymer Science / Polymer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Chemistry
- 3-10+ years of rubber compounding or materials development experience
- Hands-on exposure to mixing, testing, and processing
- Experience working with production teams, quality, purchasing, and customers
- Proven ability to lead projects and solve complex material problems
4. CompetencesCommunication Excellence- Communicates clearly, confidently, and professionally in both written and verbal formats.
- Tailors communication to technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring alignment and understanding across teams.
Integrity & Confidentiality- Demonstrates trustworthiness when handling sensitive technical, commercial, or customer information.
- Maintains discretion and adheres to ethical standards in all interactions.
Problem-Solving Capability- Approaches challenges with a structured, logical mindset.
- Identifies root causes quickly and develops practical, data-driven solutions.
Analytical Thinking- Interprets complex data, test results, and material behavior to guide decisions.
- Uses critical thinking to evaluate options, anticipate consequences, and optimize outcomes.
Independence & Initiative- Works effectively with minimal supervision, taking ownership of tasks and decisions.
- Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and drives them forward.
Responsibility & Accountability- Takes full responsibility for commitments, deliverables, and outcomes.
- Follows through consistently and maintains high standards of quality and reliability.
- Maintains a holistic view of materials, processes, cost drivers, and customer requirements.
5. Key Interfaces and Stakeholders- Describe which interfaces and stakeholders the position will have in the job. (For example outside customers, R&D internally, manager, peers).
Operations- Collaborates closely with production teams to ensure formulations run efficiently at scale.
- Supports troubleshooting, process optimization, and alignment between lab development and factory capability.
Sales- Provides technical insight to support customer discussions, quotations, and new business opportunities.
- Ensures sales teams understand material capabilities, limitations, and value propositions.
Development / Engineering- Works jointly on new product introductions, design changes, and performance requirements.
- Develop innovative material solutions that drive sustainable growth.
- Aligns material choices with engineering needs and long-term product strategies.
Customers- Serves as a technical contact for material performance, testing, and issue resolution.
- Translates customer requirements into actionable formulation and process decisions.
Operators- Engages with mixing, extrusion, molding, and testing operators to understand real-world challenges.
- Provides guidance, training, and feedback to ensure consistent execution of material specifications.
Purchasing- Partners on raw material selection, supplier qualification, and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Ensures material choices balance performance, availability, and commercial targets.
Suppliers- Maintains strong relationships with raw material suppliers to stay informed on new technologies, pricing, and supply chain risks.
- Evaluates supplier data, samples, and technical support for formulation development.
Quality Control (QC)- Works with QC to define testing requirements, interpret results, and maintain material consistency.
- Supports investigations, audits, and corrective actions related to material performance.
6. Geography to cover and travel requirements- Indicate if the responsibility is global/international/country/or local. Indicate if travelling or off site work days are required and give an estimation of days per year.
- 50% travel
7. Behavioral Characteristics- Describe personality traits important for success in the position. (Examples: flexibility, integrity, creativity, goal orientation, cooperation, initiative taking).
Flexibility- Adapts quickly to changing priorities, customer needs, and production realities.
- Maintains effectiveness in fast-paced environments where materials, timelines, or requirements may shift.
Engagement & Initiative- Shows genuine commitment to projects, teams, and organizational goals.
- Demonstrates high energy, curiosity, and a proactive approach to solving challenges and driving progress.
Team Orientation- Collaborates effectively across departments, fostering trust and shared ownership.
- Supports colleagues, encourages open communication, and contributes to a positive team culture.
Emotional Intelligence- Understands and manages personal emotions while responding constructively to others.
- Navigates conflict, feedback, and high-pressure situations with composure and empathy.
- Builds strong relationships through active listening, respect, and awareness of diverse perspectives.
8. Key Performance IndicatorsCompound Development & Innovation- Develop a targeted number of new or improved rubber compounds per year, aligned with customer needs and internal growth objectives.
- Ensure new formulations meet performance, processing, and cost requirements while transitioning smoothly from lab to production.
- Maintain and continuously improve existing formulations to enhance quality, consistency, and manufacturability.
Cost Optimization & Value Engineering- Achieve annual price improvements on existing compounds through material substitutions, formulation optimization, and VAVE initiatives.
- Deliver quantifiable cost savings without compromising performance or customer satisfaction.
- Support Purchasing with technical insights that strengthen supplier negotiations and material strategy.
Process Efficiency & Mixing Performance- Reduce mixing cycle times through formulation refinement, improved dispersion, and process optimization.
- Increase throughput and reduce variability by aligning material behavior with equipment capabilities.
- Partner with Operations to validate improvements and ensure repeatability at production scale.
Technical Problem-Solving & Analytical Rigor- Diagnose material, process, and performance issues using structured problem-solving and data-driven analysis.
- Provide timely, accurate technical guidance to internal teams and customers.
- Compile clear summaries, reports, and recommendations based on testing and evaluation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement• Maintain strong working relationships with Operations, Sales, Development, QC, Purchasing, Suppliers, and Customers.
• Lead meetings, technical reviews, and project discussions with clarity and confidence.
• Ensure alignment across departments on formulation changes, development timelines, and performance expectations
Leadership, Initiative & Continuous Improvement• Demonstrate ownership of projects, timelines, and outcomes with minimal supervision.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in materials, processes, and testing methodologies.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment through engagement, flexibility, and emotional intelligence.
Communication & Professional Conduct• Deliver clear, concise written and verbal communication tailored to diverse audiences.
• Handle confidential information with integrity and professionalism.
• Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations in a structured, compelling manner.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
