Lead Materials Engineer – Plastics & Extrusion

Optical Cable Corporation; Roanoke (VA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Optical Cable Corporation in Roanoke, VA is seeking an engineer to lead materials and extrusion technology for fiber optic cable production. You will define material selection, qualification and extrusion processes, and manage equipment requirements with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include polymer research, vendor relationships, testing and process optimization, and training staff. Travel may be required for project needs, with a focus on quality and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a Polymers focus
• Experience: Entry level or experience in processing polymers in a manufacturing environment
• Strong technical ability to understand and implement engineering concepts and to perform independently

Responsibilities

• Lead qualification and development of materials and process technology for fiber optic cable extrusion processes
• Provide material, additive and colorant knowledge to Product Engineers
• Analyze and troubleshoot polymer-related performance issues
• Design and review product testing related to finished product specifications
• Interface with manufacturing to ensure materials and processes meet requirements
• Train personnel on material-extrusion parameter interactions

Skills

Material science

Extrusion process

Polymer testing

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

MS Excel

Education

B.S. in Plastics Engineering or Polymer Science or Materials/Chemical/Mechanical with polymers focus

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office (Word, Excel, Access)

Job description

Optical Cable Corporation in Roanoke, VA is seeking an engineer to lead materials and extrusion technology for fiber optic cable production. You will define material selection, qualification and extrusion processes, and manage equipment requirements with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include polymer research, vendor relationships, testing and process optimization, and training staff. Travel may be required for project needs, with a focus on quality and regulatory standards.