Innovative Rubber Product Development Engineer

TekniPlex; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

TekniPlex is seeking a Product Development Engineer to advance new rubber products from design through commercialization. You will lead development, trial supervision, and technology transfer while ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in rubber tech, strong material knowledge, and hands-on processing experience. The role emphasizes self-direction, cross-functional collaboration, and clear technical reporting.

Qualifications

• BS degree in technical scientific field or Engineering with minimum 2 years of progressive experience, or Associate degree in technical field with minimum 2 years of progressive experience, or Non-degreed with minimum 4 years of progressive experience
• Minimum 2-4 years of progressive experience in rubber technology
• Strong material knowledge, in particular, polymer, rubber and elastomer technologies
• Experience with analytical tests and interpretation of results for raw and cured rubber compounds
• Capable of performing routine physical tests and interpreting results for raw and cured rubber compounds
• Hands-on with pilot-scale rubber processing equipment (e.g., mixers, calenders, and related machinery
• Highly self-directed, with proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks autonomously under time constraints.
• Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Capable of communicating with customers and operations personnel under stressful or adverse conditions
• Proven ability to work with minimal direction, analytical thinking, and problem solving ability
• Proficient computer literacy with established basic knowledge in general applications; word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and ERP systems

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of new product development: design, costing, development, trial run supervision, scale-up, documentation, communication, and technology transfer to the plant floor for effective commercialization.
• Ensure products are commercialized in accordance with Quality, Product Safety and Regulatory standards.
• Prepare written technical reports and recommendations summarizing findings for external customers and internal client groups.
• Maintain industry contact and awareness of rubber formulation technologies, key internal processes, and customer processes.

Skills

Rubber technology

Analytical testing

Project management

Written/verbal communication

Problem solving

Self-direction

ERP systems

Education

BS in engineering or technical field

Associate degree in technical field

Non-degreed with 4+ years experience

MS degree preferred in engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Word processing

Spreadsheets

PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

TekniPlex is seeking a Product Development Engineer to advance new rubber products from design through commercialization. You will lead development, trial supervision, and technology transfer while ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in rubber tech, strong material knowledge, and hands-on processing experience. The role emphasizes self-direction, cross-functional collaboration, and clear technical reporting.