Polymer Processing Technician - Extrusion & Injection Molding

Trinseo; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Trinseo’s Global Innovation Center‑Exton seeks a Polymer Processing Technologist to support polymer processing projects, including extrusion and injection molding, formulation development, and testing. You will prepare materials, run mechanical tests, document results in lab notebooks, and contribute to data-driven decisions for TS&D and scientists.

The role emphasizes independent work across multiple projects, strong data discipline, and collaboration with engineers and researchers at the Exton

Qualifications

• High school Diploma with 5+ years of experience in polymer R&D laboratories and good laboratory practices, or BS/BA degree with 2+ years polymer processing experience and good laboratory practice.
• Demonstrated expertise in injection molding, extrusion, and other polymer processing equipment.
• Preferred experience with DSC, TGA, TMA, FTIR, GPC lab equipment.
• Demonstrated expertise in sample preparation and mechanical testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in generating accurate and reliable data in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with computer software applications, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with polymer synthesis and wet chemistry is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, independent problem solver.

Responsibilities

• Formulation: Prepare polymer formulations for processing via compounding, latex blending, etc.
• Processing: Extrude, injection mold, compression mold, and other polymer formulations.
• Testing: Prepare specimens and perform mechanical tests (Izod, tensile, impact, melt flow rate) and measure optics/thermal properties.
• Data: Accurately document observations and results in an electronic lab notebook; organize data and write summaries.
• Equipment: Schedule preventive maintenance and train operators as required.

Skills

Polymer processing

Injection molding

Extrusion

Mechanical testing

Data analysis

Lab software

Communication

Independent work

Documentation

Education

HS Diploma with polymer R&D experience

BS/BA in polymer science or related field

Tools

DSC

TGA

TMA

FTIR

GPC

MFR testing

Excel

Job description

Polymer Processing Technologist - Extrusion & Injection Molding

The Polymer Processing Technologist – Extrusion & Injection Molding is located in the Global Innovation Center‑Exton (GIC‑Exton) and is responsible for supporting the growth of Trinseo’s Business Units through application development, technical service, laboratory testing, and polymer processing on both existing and new products. A significant component of this role is the preparation and evaluation of polymeric materials. The position will work on multiple projects simultaneously and interact with all scientists and engineers in the group.

This position reports to the GIC‑Exton R&D Operations Manager (or designated Lab Manager), who reports to the R&D GIC‑Exton Director. It requires active, regular interaction and coaching with other scientists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulation: Prepare polymer formulations for processing via compounding, latex blending, etc.
• Processing: Extrude, injection mold, compression mold, and other polymer formulations.
• Testing: Prepare test specimens via cutting, edge finishing, milling, etc. Follow established procedures to perform mechanical tests including notched Izod, tensile, Dynatup drop dart impact, melt flow rate, etc. Perform measurements including optics, haze, color, gloss, and thermal properties.
• Data: Accurately document all observations and experimental results in an electronic lab notebook. Organize and analyze data to explain conclusions to an internal audience and write simple summaries of results.
• Equipment: Schedule and perform preventive maintenance on owned equipment; troubleshoot owned equipment and recommend improvements as needed. Train other operators as required.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support the site EH&S policy and comply with all regulatory and internal requirements.
• Participate in EH&S activities provided by Trinseo.
• Support and promote the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near‑miss, accident or injury incidents.
• Prepare paperwork, package, and ship out samples; maintain materials inventory.
• Perform area housekeeping.
• Work as outlined by Lead Research Technologists.
• Provide Building Operations Support.
• Work with Building/Operations manager on safety systems and support for fit‑out and commissioning of relocated and new equipment.
• General support of routine operations as needed.
• Provide technical support for routine compounding, molding, and testing of thermoplastic systems supporting TS&D and Scientists.

Context and Environment

• This is a key position within the R&D Global Innovation Center‑Exton.
• It requires expertise in a wide range of areas, the ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt to changing priorities in a rapidly evolving business environment.
• Day‑to‑day programs and priorities come from the supervisor.
• Obtaining quality results in a timely manner while carrying out experiments within the set guidelines of Safe Operating Procedures, site safety rules, prudent laboratory practices, and departmental rules.
• Limited travel (<5%).

Qualifications

• High school Diploma with 5+ years of experience in polymer R&D laboratories and good laboratory practices, or BS/BA degree with 2+ years polymer processing experience and good laboratory practice.
• Demonstrated expertise in injection molding, extrusion, and other polymer processing equipment.
• Preferred experience with DSC, TGA, TMA, FTIR, GPC lab equipment.
• Demonstrated expertise in sample preparation and mechanical testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in generating accurate and reliable data in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with computer software applications, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with polymer synthesis and wet chemistry is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, independent problem solver.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work with multiple Trinseo T&I engineers/scientists/commercial team in generating accurate and reliable data for specific projects.
• Good time‑management skills, prioritize tasks to meet commitments, adaptable to changing priorities.
• Stay focused under pressure, critically review work to ensure quality.
• Maintain and upgrade equipment in support of activities.
• Maintain documentation system including lab notebooks and standard operating procedures for owned equipment.
• Handle problems independently and resolve issues without extensive help from others.
• Work safely and actively participate in the GIC‑NA safety program.

Equity and Inclusion

With our expanding global presence, cross‑cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity. We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.