Polymer Process Engineer

Brava Roof Tile; Washington, Northern (IA, KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Brava Roof Tile in Washington, IA, seeks a Polymer Process Engineer with 5–10 years of hands-on twin screw extrusion experience. You will optimize processing of polyethylene materials, troubleshoot melt flow and dispersion, and support scale-up of new formulations. Experience with recycled LLDPE film is highly desirable.

You will collaborate with R&D, quality, and production to improve yield, scrap reduction, cycle time, and energy efficiency while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in polymer processing with a focus on twin screw extrusion/compounding.
• Experience with polyethylene formulations (LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE).

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize twin screw compounding operations for polyethylene materials (LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE).
• Troubleshoot processing issues related to melt flow, dispersion, thermal stability, gels, contamination, and mechanical properties.
• Support scale-up of new formulations from lab to production.
• Drive continuous improvement in yield, scrap reduction, cycle time, and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality, and production teams to ensure product performance.
• Establish and monitor key process parameters (temperature profiles, screw configuration, feed rates, torque, pressure).
• Support trials involving recycled materials, including blending strategies and performance evaluation.

Skills

Twin screw extrusion/compounding

Polymer processing

Troubleshooting extrusion

Recycling of LLDPE film

Rheology and MFI testing

DSC and mechanical property testing

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Polymer Engineering

Materials Science

Related field

Tools

Process simulation

SPC

DSC

Job description

Polymer Process Engineer# Polymer Process EngineerWashington Plant - Washington, IA 52353## OverviewPosition TypeFull Time## DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Polymer Process Engineer with strong expertise in twin screw compounding of polyethylene materials, particularly LLDPE and related formulations. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of hands-on processing experience and a deep understanding of polyethylene formulations, process optimization, and troubleshooting. Experience in recycling LLDPE film is highly desirable. This role will support production, product development, and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize quality, throughput, and cost efficiency. **Key Responsibilities*** Lead and optimize twin screw compounding operations for polyethylene materials, including LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE.* Troubleshoot processing issues related to melt flow, dispersion, thermal stability, gels, contamination, and mechanical properties.* Support scale-up of new formulations from lab to full production.* Drive continuous improvement in yield, scrap reduction, cycle time, and energy efficiency.* Collaborate with R&D, quality, and production teams to ensure consistent product performance.* Establish and monitor key process parameters (temperature profiles, screw configuration, feed rates, torque, pressure, etc.).* Support trials involving recycled materials, particularly reprocessed LLDPE film, including blending strategies and performance evaluation.* Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.* Maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and process records.## Qualifications**Qualifications:*** Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.* 5–10 years of experience in polymer processing, with a focus on twin screw extrusion/compounding.* Strong hands-on experience with polyethylene formulations (LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE).* Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot extrusion and compounding processes.* Experience with recycling and reprocessing of LLDPE film is a strong plus.* Knowledge of additives including antioxidants, slip agents, fillers, compatibilizers, and colorants.* Familiarity with rheology, melt flow index (MFI), DSC, and mechanical property testing.* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.* Ability to work cross-functionally in a manufacturing environment.**Preferred Skills*** Experience optimizing screw design and configuration.* Knowledge of resin blending strategies and contamination mitigation in recycled streams.* Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing experience.* Experience with process simulation or statistical process control (SPC).