Materials Engineer

Optical Cable Corporation; Virginia; On-site; USD 59,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Optical Cable Corporation in Roanoke, VA, is seeking a Polymer/Materials Engineer to lead materials selection and extrusion process development for fiber optic cable production.

The role emphasizes independent decision making, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and product engineering teams to deliver robust extrusion processes and high-quality products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in plastics engineering, polymer science, materials engineering, chemical engineering, or mechanical engineering with polymers focus.
• Experience in processing polymers in manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical ability to apply engineering concepts independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead material development and extrusion technology for fiber optic cable extrusion processes.
• Provide material, additive and colorant knowledge to Product Engineers.
• Research polymers and additives; maintain vendor relationships.
• Analyze polymer performance issues and troubleshoot accordingly.
• Design and review product testing related to finished product specs.
• Interface with manufacturing to ensure materials and processes meet requirements.
• Train personnel on materials-extrusion interactions and parameter effects.

Skills

Material science

Extrusion process

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

MS Excel

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a Polymers focus

Tools

ERP systems

MS Access

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full- Time Regular SG&A Roanoke, VA, US

Salary Range: $59,477.00 To $99,129.00 Annually

Basic Function

This engineering position will lead the organization in managing the plastic materials and extrusion possessing technology in the plant. The engineer will lead the engineering department in material selection, qualification and defining an efficient extrusion process. The engineer will define and manage extruder technology and process equipment requirements. Independent decision making, project management and leadership in a process development and manufacturing environment will be essential in the success of the engineer in this role. All levels of engineering work from research and development to industrialization of processes in the plant are expected. Polymer Science knowledge and the relationship with extrusion process will be necessary.

Significant Responsibilities

I. Performs specific job responsibilities:

• Leadership responsibility on the qualification and development of materials and related process technology for fiber optic cable extrusion processes for a variety of materials including PVC, PVDF, Polyethylene, Polyurethane and others.
• Provide material, additive and colorant knowledge to the Product Engineers.
• Research and understand processes related to polymers and additives. Maintain relationships with polymer/color vendors, manufacturing facilities and product engineering.
• Analyze and troubleshoot polymer related performance issues based on product design and processing.
• Design, develop and review with Test and Product Engineer(s) product testing related to finished product performance specifications.
• Interface with manufacturing to ensure materials and processes are efficiently producing products to internal and external requirements.
• Train personnel to understand the interaction of materials and extrusion parameters on the final product performance will be necessary.

II. Promotes OCC's service excellence and quality. Provides excellent service to customers; builds strong relationships and team cohesiveness; focuses on quality and positive solutions; communicates respectfully; demonstrates compassion and understanding in response to customer request/needs.

III. Champions OCC's mission, vision and values (as detailed in our 15 Essential Points of Success); complies with policies and procedures, ethical standards and Code of Conduct.

Job Scope

• Organizational Responsibility – works with Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality
• Communication - Extensive communciation with most departments on a daily basis
• Confidentiality - Handling sensitive corporate and department information requiring high levels of confidentiality
• Financial Responsibility - Tracking regulatory projects in order to document cost to company
• Judgment -Inaccuracies could impact regulatory and standards compliance, quality and customer satisfaction; financial impact due to errors.
• Compliance -Regulatory compliance for UL and other standards requirements; SOX, ISO and other internal compliance requirements
• Travel - limited but may be necessary as project needs arrise (typically 10-20% of time)

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with a Polymers focus from an accredited institution
• Experience: Entry level or experience in processing polymers in a manufacturing environment
• Other Minimum Qualifications: A strong technical ability to understand and implement engineering concepts and to perform independently

Essential Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

• Good material science and extrusion process knowledge will be vital to the success in this position.
• Leadership skill to help guide the organization in the area of material science and plastic extrusion technology are essential
• The position will require an individual with good communication skills and the ability to deal with people in an effective and professional manner. Will handle regular communications with all levels of sales, production and engineering staff.
• Effective planning/organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities.
• Evidence of taking initiative and/or leading projects.
• History of working independently and as a member of a team.
• Strong problem solving skills with evidence of systematic approach for identifying problems, root-cause analysis, and implementing the "fix".
• Excellent computer skills – 50% of the work will be on a computer with a variety of software – Word, Excel, Access and ERP systems.
• Extensive knowledge and use of MS excel to clearly communicate data to all levels of audiences is required.
• The individual will need to be able to manage multiple tasks on a tight schedule.
• Have a basic understanding of polymer science testing methods.
• Basic knowledge of regulatory requirements for polymers as they related to US and international flame and smoke generation requirements.

Working Conditions

Job duties requires engineering work, overnight travel and ambulation in office, testing laboratory, manufacturing plant, customer facility, and on-site installation working environments. Occasional lifting/pushing up to 50 lbs. Sight and color vision required sufficient for detailed analysis, reading and computer work. Hearing required sufficient for communication with coworkers, vendors and customers and awareness of alarms. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions.

This role involves work contracted by the U.S. government and/or other federal agencies, which requires that all personnel involved in such work are U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. Thus, a qualified candidate for this position must be able to present valid documentation indicating that they are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

Note: This job description is only meant to be a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Additional Compensation Information

The posted pay range reflects the established base salary or hourly wage range for this position. Individual compensation is determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, internal equity, and business needs. New hires are typically hired below the midpoint of the range. Eligible positions may receive applicable shift differentials, skill premiums, or other forms of additional compensation.

Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday with some schedule flexibility required; overtime is also available.

40 hours/week