Polymer & PVC Engineer (R&D) - Mysore

Walkaroo International; Nanjanagudu; On-site; INR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Walkaroo International in Mysore is seeking an Executive Polymer R&D professional to lead PVC compound development for footwear applications and drive production support on the shop floor.

The role focuses on formulating PVC compounds for outsoles/midsoles, optimizing processes, and ensuring quality through testing and documentation; a background in polymer processing and hands-on equipment experience is essential.

Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Polymer Engineering, Polymer Technology, Rubber Technology, or related field.
• 3-4 years of relevant polymer processing experience (PVC compounds, cables, pipes or compounding plants).
• Hands-on exposure to PVC compounding and processing machinery (hot/cold mixers, kneaders, ribbon blenders, pelletizers, PVC injection moulding).
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills for lab testing and plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead PVC compound development for outsoles and midsoles (open footwear and lifestyle shoes).
• Collaborate with production to scale up and commercialize R&D on the shop floor.
• Troubleshoot operational and quality issues during mass production.
• Document lab experiments, pilot trials, and production batches for tech transfer.

Skills

PVC compounding

Polymer processing

Quality testing

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Polymer Engineering

Tools

Hot/Cold mixers

Kneaders

Ribbon blenders

Pelletizers

PVC injection moulding

Job description

Executive Polymer R&D: Lead PVC compound development, drive production and process support, and oversee quality control testing for footwear applications.

Location: Mysore (Manufacturing Unit)

Duties & Responsibilities

• PVC Compounding & Development: Formulate and optimize PVC compounds for outsoles and midsoles (open footwear and lifestyle shoes) to meet target specifications for tear strength, abrasion resistance, hardness, and flex-crack resistance.
• Formulate value-added compounds, including cork-filled PVC soles and high-elasticity/rubbery-touch soles.
• Develop specialized polymer alloys/blends incorporating PVC with NBR, SEBS, and EVA.
• Optimize existing formulations to reduce weight without compromising physical performance.

Production & Process Support:
Collaborate with production teams to scale up and commercialize R&D developments on the shop floor.

• Troubleshoot operational and quality issues during mass production.
• Optimize processing parameters across high/low-speed mixers (hot & cold), PVC injection moulding machines, and rotary machines.
• Testing & Characterization:
  Perform physical testing and material characterization (e.g., rheology/MDR, tensile strength, hardness, abrasion, and flex fatigue) to ensure quality compliance.
• Documentation & Compliance:
  Establish SOPs for compounding and injection processes, ensuring strict shop-floor adherence.
• Document lab experiments, pilot trials, and production batches to facilitate seamless technology transfer and commercialization.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: B.E. / B. Tech in Polymer Engineering, Polymer Technology, Rubber Technology, or a related field.
• Experience: 3-4 years of relevant experience in polymer processing (e.g., PVC compounds, cables, pipes, or compounding plants), with direct experience in rigid/flexible PVC palletisation.
• Technical Exposure: Hands-on experience with PVC compounding and processing machinery, including hot/cold mixers, kneaders, ribbon blenders, pelletizers, and PVC injection moulding units.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities applicable to both laboratory testing and plant-level operations.

Key Competencies

• Explorative Mindset: Ability to translate market and customer needs into functional compound properties using available machinery and innovative formulations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong teamwork skills to bridge R&D, Production, Quality, and Maintenance functions seamlessly.

Performance Expectations

• Timely Execution: Consistently meet project milestones, execution targets, and delivery deadlines.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously optimize formulations, plant yields, cycle times, and testing protocols.
• Proactive Innovation: Take initiative in shop-floor problem-solving and stay updated on industry trends by participating in trade expos and technical seminars.