OTR Rubber Compounder

Yokohama TWS NA; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision

HSA/FSA Options

401K with Company Match

Company Paid Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holiday Calendar

Employee Assistance Program

Volunteer Programs

Employee Referral Program

Professional Development Assistance

Job summary

Yokohama TWS NA in Akron, Ohio is seeking a highly motivated Engineer to join our technology center. This role focuses on the development, optimization, and support of rubber formulations for off-the-road tires, collaborating with global teams to introduce new materials and improve existing compounds.

The candidate will work in a collaborative environment, applying elastomer chemistry knowledge to deliver robust materials and process improvements for our OTR tire portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• 3+ years in the tire industry or related materials field preferred.
• Strong understanding of elastomer chemistry and material testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize rubber compounds for OTR tires.
• Support maintenance of existing material formulations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the globe.
• Document findings and present results to stakeholders.
• Contribute to process improvements in manufacturing and testing.

Skills

Elastomer chemistry

Compound physical testing

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering

B.S. in Chemistry

B.S. in Polymer/Materials Science

Tools

Formulation development software

MS Office

Job description

About Us

We are Yokohama TWS, a leading global supplier of tires and complete wheels for the agricultural, material handling, construction, motorcycles segments.

About Us

We are Yokohama TWS, a leading global supplier of tires and complete wheels for the agricultural, material handling, construction, motorcycles segments.

We design and manufacture tire and wheel solutions made for the future. With a combination of value, safety and ease, our solutions provide a more productive and sustainable performance our customers demand.

We pair the expertise and power of our global reach with the care and knowledge of local proximity. This brings innovation, technology and sustainability together to answer the specific needs of our customers. All while continuing to reduce our and their impact on the planet.

Our people take ownership to deliver on this promise every day.

We are a global Company with a local reach, operating in more than 50 Countries worldwide with 6.700 employees of 40 different nationalities, 14 state-of-the-art plants and 4 innovation centers. We are part of Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global leader in the tire industry with 860.5 billion yen in revenues (approx. 6 billion euro), over 28,000 people around the globe and with operations in more than 120 countries.

If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, enjoy taking responsibilities and getting things done in the right way, join us! We are plenty of opportunities to grow and develop in a truly dynamic and easy-going environment.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Engineer to join our technology center in Akron, Ohio. This critical role is responsible for the development, optimization, and support of rubber formulations for off-the-road (mining, port/industrial, & construction) tires. The candidate will work in a team environment, seeking solutions to technical challenges, developing/introducing new materials for the global OTR marketplace, along with maintenance & modification of existing compounds.

Essential Duties

• Development of new rubber compounds and formulations utilizing company standards to meet customer performance requirements.
• Support product maintenance of existing OTR material formulations to ensure they meet the expectations of continually evolving customer and field needs.
• Contribute to the manufacturing of quality products, optimization of mixing procedures, and enhancement of the manufacturing process.
• Collaborate with a variety of global cross-functional teams (ex. business, marketing, field engineering, design, testing, manufacturing, and simulation) for the development & maintenance of OTR tires.
• Documentation of findings through presentations for internal stakeholders such as business, marketing, design, testing, and field teams
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS And SKILLS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (Minimum) - Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer/Materials Science, or a related engineering field.
• Experience: 3+ years in the tire industry is preferred.
• Software Knowledge: Formulation development or laboratory management software, basic MS Office suite of programs (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.) or the like.
• Technical Knowledge: A basic comprehension of elastomer chemistry, compound physical testing, and filler reinforcement; cause-and-effect analysis; risk analysis. Display data interpretation skills, and the ability to apply to material development.
• Soft Skills: Basic analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects. Along with basic communication, organization, and collaboration skills.

Language Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in English in writing or verbally to co-workers, supervisors, customers, and suppliers in person, email, or via telephone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to operate a computer and mobile devices for extended periods to manage reporting and communication tasks.
• Ability to safely lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds is required.
• Work environment will include office and warehouse settings.

SCHEDULE

• This position follows a hybrid work schedule that combines in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. Employees are expected to work from the office four days per week, with the option to work remotely one day per week. This schedule is designed to support teamwork, innovation, and professional development while providing work-life flexibility.

Yrc & Career Benefits

• Hands-on experience in a global product development environment.
• Mentorship and training in compound design tools and methodologies.
• Learn about mining, port/industrial, and construction tires.
• Contribute to R&D material development, optimization, & enhancement.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in the off-the-road tire segment.

Benefits

Yokohama TWS takes great pride in offering a competitive and comprehensive benefits program to support the well-being of our employees. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, and a variety of supplemental benefit options designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members and their families.

• Medical, Dental, & Vision
• HSA/FSA Options
• 401K with Company Match
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Calendar
• Employee Assistance Program
• Volunteer Programs
• Employee Referral Program
• Professional Development Assistance

Why Join Yokohama TWS?

At Yokohama TWS, we know that great people are the driving force behind our success. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported , valued , and empowered to grow. In addition to a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, company-paid life insurance, paid vacation, and holidays, we also invest in our people through professional development opportunities, employee assistance resources, referral incentives, and meaningful volunteer programs. Most importantly, you'll join a collaborative team that values expertise, ownership, continuous improvement, and the contributions each individual brings to the table.