Materials & Processes Engineer

Fiber Dynamics, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fiber Dynamics, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, seeks a Scientist to lead R&D in thermoplastic polymer compounding, focusing on foamed materials, injection molding, and extrusion.

You will develop innovative polymer formulations and communicate results through proposals and reports. Responsibilities include testing, data analysis, maintaining lab equipment, preparing technical reports, and supporting commercialization through patents, licensing, and cross‑functional collaboration with manufacturing and

Qualifications

• Experience in polymer compounding and development of thermoplastic formulations.
• Experience with foamed polymer formulations, injection molding, and extrusion.
• Proficiency with material characterization techniques and lab equipment.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead polymer materials R&D by developing and optimizing thermoplastic formulations, focusing on compounding, foamed materials, injection molding, and extrusion.
• Conduct testing and technical analysis by characterizing material properties, analyzing data, maintaining lab equipment, documenting results, and preparing technical reports and research proposals.
• Drive innovation and commercialization through patent portfolio ownership, material property development, licensing efforts, business case development, and support for commercialization of novel technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, communicate findings, participate in industry organizations, present at conferences, attend trade shows, and support business development.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance by implementing CMMC-compliant laboratory data systems, maintaining safe practices, adhering to environmental regulations, and supporting continuous improvements in research and manufacturing workflows.

Skills

Thermoplastic polymer compounding

Foamed polymer formulation

Injection molding

Extrusion

Technical writing

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Polymer Chemistry / Materials Science / Chemical Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Job description

Scientist with expertise in thermoplastic polymer compounding to lead the formulation, processing, and characterization of advanced materials. This role develops innovative polymer compositions; characterizes material; communicate findings through detailed proposals and reports.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead polymer materials R&D by developing and optimizing thermoplastic (and applicable thermoset) formulations, with a focus on polymer compounding, foamed materials, injection molding, and extrusion processes.
• Conduct testing and technical analysis by characterizing material properties, analyzing experimental data, maintaining laboratory equipment, documenting results, and preparing technical reports and research proposals.
• Drive innovation and commercialization through patent portfolio ownership, material property development, licensing efforts, business case development, and support for commercialization of novel technologies.
• Collaborate and represent the organization by working with cross-functional teams, communicating technical findings, participating in industry organizations, presenting at conferences, attending trade shows, and supporting business development.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance by implementing CMMC-compliant laboratory data systems, maintaining safe laboratory practices, adhering to environmental regulations, and supporting continuous improvements in research and manufacturing workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or comparable experience in Polymer Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field. Masters degree or PhD preferred.
• Strong experience in thermoplastic polymer compounding, with specific expertise in foamed polymer formulation, injection molding, and extrusion.
• Proficiency in material characterization techniques and lab equipment operation.
• Excellent technical writing skills.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

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