Process Engineer

WorldBridge Partners - Leaders in Recruiting and Executive Search; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative and innovation-focused technical environment

Opportunities for growth and leadership

Job summary

WorldBridge Partners is seeking a Polymer Engineer to lead the development of innovative polyethylene formulations using recycled materials. This role integrates material improvement and sustainable practices within a collaborative team. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in polyolefin chemistry with experience in formulation development.

The successful candidate will work on optimizing performance and processing behavior for recycled polyethylene applications, directly impacting sustainable product development.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience developing polyethylene or polyolefin formulations.
• Experience with recycled polyethylene materials preferred.
• Strong understanding of polymer characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize polyethylene formulations incorporating recycled PE films.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to improve product consistency.
• Lead troubleshooting of formulation performance.

Skills

Polyolefin chemistry

Formulation development

Additives knowledge

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Polymer Chemistry or related field

Tools

Melt Flow Index (MFI)

DSC

TGA

Rheology

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an innovative and hands-on Polymer Engineer to lead the development of next-generation polyethylene formulations utilizing recycled polyethylene film feedstocks. This role will focus on improving material performance, processability, consistency, and sustainability for extrusion, blown film, and related polyethylene applications.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in polyolefin chemistry, formulation development, additives, compatibilizers, and recycled resin performance optimization. This is an opportunity to directly impact sustainable product development in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize polyethylene formulations incorporating post-consumer and post-industrial recycled PE films.
• Evaluate recycled resin streams for material properties, contamination, stability, and processing behavior.
• Design formulations using additives, stabilizers, compatibilizers, fillers, and performance modifiers to meet targeted product specifications.
• Support scale-up activities from laboratory development through pilot and commercial production trials.
• Collaborate with process engineering and manufacturing teams to improve extrusion performance and product consistency.
• Analyze material performance using rheological, thermal, mechanical, and physical testing methods.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts related to formulation performance, processing issues, and quality deviations.
• Work closely with suppliers and recycling partners to identify and qualify sustainable raw materials.
• Maintain technical documentation, formulation records, test reports, and development summaries.
• Support customer-specific development projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current on industry trends, recycled plastics technologies, and sustainability regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience developing polyethylene or polyolefin formulations.
• Experience working with recycled polyethylene materials, particularly recycled film streams, strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of extrusion, blown film, injection molding, or compounding processes.
• Experience with additives such as antioxidants, UV stabilizers, slip/anti-block agents, compatibilizers, and processing aids.
• Strong understanding of polymer characterization techniques including:
• Melt Flow Index (MFI)
• DSC
• TGA
• Tensile and impact testing
• Rheology
• Ability to manage multiple development projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience developing sustainable or circular economy plastic solutions.
• Knowledge of multilayer film structures and recycled content integration.
• Familiarity with FDA, sustainability, or recycled content compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting commercial production trials and customer qualifications.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to develop sustainable polyethylene technologies with real market impact.
• Collaborative and innovation-focused technical environment.
• Direct involvement in scaling recycled plastics solutions from concept to commercialization.
• High visibility role with opportunities for growth and leadership.