Development Chemist

Trelleborg; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials company in Iowa seeks a Technical Leader specializing in rubber materials and formulations. The role involves leading compound development, establishing an R&D laboratory, and collaborating with teams to enhance product performance. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree and strong leadership skills, ensuring effective cross-functional communication. If you have a detail-oriented mindset and expertise in technical processes, apply to be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Act as the subject-matter expert on rubber materials and formulations.
• Lead the full lifecycle of compound development.
• Establish, operate, and develop an R&D mixing laboratory.
• Develop new rubber formulations tailored to performance and cost.
• Identify and execute material-based cost-reduction opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver clear presentations for stakeholders.

Skills

Team Player

Leadership

Detail Oriented

Functional Expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Technical 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 its 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.

Core Responsibilities

• Formulation & 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Required
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Education: Bachelors or better

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.