Materials Engineer: Plastic Extrusion & Polymers

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

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.