Materials Engineer

Westlake Chemical; Belle Brook Estates (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a skilled individual to lead the development and testing of new material compounds. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in plastics compounding, particularly in PVC extrusion.

This role requires a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and strong analytical, project management, and communication skills. Join a dynamic team and contribute to product and process innovation in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of hands-on plastics compounding experience.
• Experience in rigid or foamed PVC extrusion preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of new material compounds.
• Develop processes for evaluating and implementing compounding changes.
• Analyze data using statistical tools and communicate findings.

Skills

Collaborative problem-solving skills

Data-driven decision making

Project management

Polymer chemistry knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Plastics Engineering

Tools

Six Sigma methodologies

Job description

Why Join Us

• Make a direct impact on product and process innovation in a hands‑on manufacturing environment.
• Collaborate with operations, R&D, and suppliers to improve quality, performance, and cost efficiency.
• Step into a high-visibility role where your technical expertise will help shape new products, improve plant performance, and drive measurable business impact.

What You'll Do

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, testing, and implementation of new material compounds to support productivity, quality, and business objectives.
• Develop standard work and scalable processes for evaluating and implementing compounding changes across production platforms.
• Use design of experiments and other analytical methods to assess formulation changes and their impact on manufacturing performance.
• Partner with operations, R&D, and leadership to solve production issues, improve processes, and support new product development.
• Coordinate laboratory work, pilot trials, and production trials to improve product performance, reduce scrap, and optimize cost efficiency.
• Analyze data using statistical tools and communicate findings clearly to technical and operational stakeholders.
• Collaborate with suppliers to stay current on new raw materials, equipment, and industry developments.
• Support formulation cost analysis, capital planning, and process improvement initiatives related to existing and new products.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited university in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Plastics Engineering.
• 3 to 5 years of hands‑on plastics compounding experience, ideally in rigid or foamed PVC extrusion or a similar chemical or physical manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PVC extrusion processes and polymer formulation development.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and tools such as DOE, DMAIC, FMEA, Fishbone, and 5‑Why analysis.
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Skills for Success

• Strong collaborative problem‑solving skills in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to make data‑driven decisions to support compounding and extrusion plant operations.
• Strong organization, project management, and task prioritization skills.
• Ability to define problems, execute trials, analyze data, draw sound conclusions, and build consensus across technical and operational teams.
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry, manufacturing processes, testing, and material analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit and frequently required to stand, walk, use hands, reach, and communicate. The role may occasionally require stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. May require air or auto travel up to 10% of the time to support sites across North America.

Work Environment

This role is based in a moderate‑noise office environment with periodic travel to manufacturing facilities. Facility environments may include elevated noise levels, exposure to weather elements, proximity to moving equipment, and climbing ladders. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, steel‑toe shoes, safety glasses, and hard hats, may be required while working in a facility.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.