R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist

CPS, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K

Job summary

CPS4JOBS client in the rubber industry seeks an R&D Rubber Compounder Chemist with a BS in Chemistry or related field and 3–5 years of rubber development experience to support formulation and scale-up efforts.

You will lead lab operations, supervise four technicians, evaluate materials, develop compounds, run trials, and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Product Development to drive performance, cost, and process improvements in a global manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3–5 years of rubber compounding, polymer chemistry, materials development, or related lab/manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of rubber raw materials, cure systems, and physical property testing.
• Ability to analyze technical data, troubleshoot material issues, and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Experience supporting laboratory and manufacturing trials.

Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory support for rubber mixing and calendaring production operations.
• Supervise, coach, and support four laboratory technicians.
• Develop new rubber formulations and refine existing compounds to improve performance, processing, quality, and cost.
• Plan and conduct laboratory trials to evaluate compound properties and performance.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams to troubleshoot mixing, processing, curing, and material-related issues.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams to support new products and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, technical reports, specifications, and formulation documentation.
• Stay current on developments in rubber chemistry, raw materials, compounding technology, and tire manufacturing.

Skills

Rubber compounding

Polymer chemistry

Materials development

Lab & manufacturing experience

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related

Tools

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist

Our client, a global manufacturer, is looking for a talented Chemist to support the development of advanced rubber technologies. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field and have at least three years of experience in rubber product development, this could be a great next step in your career. The company offers excellent benefits, long-term growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a highly respected organization.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Oversee laboratory support for rubber mixing and calendaring production operations.
• Supervise, coach, and support four laboratory technicians.
• Work with Quality to evaluate incoming raw materials and ensure materials meet established requirements.
• Develop new rubber formulations and refine existing compounds to improve performance, processing, quality, and cost.
• Evaluate raw materials, polymers, fillers, oils, curing systems, and other compound ingredients for use in rubber formulations.
• Plan and conduct laboratory trials to evaluate compound properties and performance.
• Analyze physical and chemical test results and use findings to recommend formulation or process improvements.
• Develop and maintain specifications for rubber compounds, raw materials, and mixing processes.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing teams to troubleshoot mixing, processing, curing, and material-related issues.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams to support new products and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate compound performance related to wear, endurance, traction, rolling resistance, handling, and other tire performance characteristics.
• Support plant trials and scale-up of new or modified rubber formulations from laboratory development into production.
• Investigate material and compound-related quality issues, identify root causes, and develop corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, technical reports, specifications, and formulation documentation.
• Stay current on developments in rubber chemistry, raw materials, compounding technology, and tire manufacturing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary

$85,000 - $90,000

Benefits

• M/D/V/401K

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
• 3-5 years of experience in rubber compounding, polymer chemistry, materials development, or a related laboratory/manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of rubber raw materials, compounding principles, cure systems, and physical property testing.
• Ability to analyze technical data, troubleshoot material issues, and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Experience supporting laboratory and manufacturing trials.

Alternate Candidate Background

Candidates from plastics or polymer processing may be considered if they have strong rheology experience, calendaring experience, relevant laboratory testing skills, and the ability to transition into rubber manufacturing. Prior tire manufacturing experience is beneficial but should not automatically exclude a strong adjacent-industry candidate.