Lead the development, optimization, and validation of rubber compounds and polymer formulations for cable insulation, jackets, and specialty applications.
Manage material development projects from concept through commercialization, including formulation design, laboratory evaluation, plant trials, and production implementation.
Conduct compound mixing, material characterization, and performance testing to evaluate processing behavior and product performance.
Analyze and troubleshoot compound-related manufacturing issues, recommending formulation, processing, or raw material improvements.
Partner with manufacturing teams to support scale-up activities, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate new raw materials, additives, fillers, and elastomer technologies.
Use analytical techniques including FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, DMA, rheology, and mechanical testing to investigate material performance and failure modes.
Prepare technical reports, project updates, and recommendations for engineering, operations, quality, and leadership teams.
Develop and maintain material specifications, test methods, and technical documentation to support product quality and regulatory requirements.
Support cross-functional initiatives focused on cost reduction, sustainability, performance enhancement, and new product development.
Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or Materials Engineering.
3+ years of working experience with rubber compounding, polymer formulation development, elastomer processing, or material development projects.
Strong understanding of polymer and elastomer fundamentals, including fillers, additives, curing systems, and material performance characteristics.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical and experimental data.
Ability to work effectively in laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing environments.
Strong communication and project management skills with the ability to collaborate across functions.
5+ years of working experience in rubber compounding, elastomer formulation, polymer materials development, or related manufacturing environments.
Experience with cable, wire, rubber, plastics, extrusion, compounding, or materials processing industries.
Hands-on experience with internal mixers, two-roll mills, extrusion equipment, or compound scale-up activities.
Knowledge of EPDM, EPR, silicone, neoprene, CPE, XLPE, or other elastomeric material systems.
Experience leading material development projects, plant trials, or product commercialization efforts.
Familiarity with analytical and characterization techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, DMA, rheology, and mechanical testing.
Background in manufacturing troubleshooting, quality improvement, and supplier material qualification programs.
