Materials Engineer

GOEBEL FIXTURE COMPANY; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

GOEBEL FIXTURE COMPANY in Roanoke, Virginia is seeking a hands-on Materials Engineer to lead material development, qualification, and extrusion processing in a manufacturing setting.

You will select polymers, optimize extrusion processes for PVC, PVDF, polyethylene, and other plastics, and work with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers to deliver robust finished products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering or related field.
• Strong understanding of material science and plastics extrusion processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the selection, qualification, and development of polymer materials and processing technology.
• Develop and optimize extrusion processes for PVC, PVDF, polyethylene, polyurethane, and other polymers.
• Define material, equipment, and process requirements for extrusion operations.
• Research polymers, additives, colorants, and processing methods.
• Collaborate with material suppliers, manufacturing, quality, and product engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot polymer-related material, processing, and product performance issues.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement practical solutions.
• Support product testing and help establish testing requirements for finished products.

Skills

Polymer science

Plastics

Extrusion processing

Problem solving

Communication

Excel

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering

Related field (Plastics/Polymer Science/Chemical Engineering)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Base Pay $59,000.00 - $99,000.00 / Year

Description

We are seeking a Materials Engineer with strong knowledge of polymer science, plastics, and extrusion processing to lead material development, qualification, and process improvement in a manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on engineering role focused on material selection, polymer processing, extrusion technology, troubleshooting, and process development. The ideal candidate will enjoy solving technical problems, leading projects, and working closely with manufacturing, quality, product engineering, and material suppliers.

What You'll Do

• Lead the selection, qualification, and development of polymer materials and processing technology.
• Develop and optimize extrusion processes for materials including PVC, PVDF, polyethylene, polyurethane, and other polymers.
• Define material, equipment, and process requirements for extrusion operations.
• Research polymers, additives, colorants, and processing methods.
• Work closely with material suppliers, manufacturing, quality, and product engineering teams.
• Troubleshoot polymer-related material, processing, and product performance issues.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement practical solutions.
• Support product testing and help establish testing requirements related to finished-product performance.
• Work with manufacturing to ensure materials and processes consistently meet quality and performance requirements.
• Provide technical guidance on material selection and extrusion parameters.
• Train manufacturing personnel on the interaction between materials, processing conditions, and finished-product performance.
• Lead projects from research and development through implementation and production.
• Manage multiple engineering projects and priorities while working independently and as part of a team.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of material science and plastics extrusion processes.
• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with root-cause analysis and process improvement.
• Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Preferred:

• 3+ years of experience working with polymers in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with plastics extrusion and material qualification.
• Knowledge of polymer testing methods.
• Experience working with additives and colorants.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to polymer materials, including flame and smoke requirements.
• Experience leading engineering or process-development projects.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Materials Engineer and technical problem solver who can work comfortably between the engineering department, manufacturing floor, laboratory, and suppliers.

You should be someone who takes ownership of projects, can identify and solve complex material and processing problems, and can translate technical information into practical manufacturing solutions.

Strong communication and leadership skills are important, as this position will work with engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and other departments on a regular basis.

This position involves working in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments. Limited travel may be required based on project needs, generally 10-20% of the time.

Occasional lifting or pushing of up to 50 lbs. may be required.