Research Engineer

Crafco, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Holiday pay

Parental leave

Job summary

Crafco, Inc. is seeking a Research Engineer at our corporate headquarters in Phoenix, AZ. The role focuses on formulation development, specification conformance, and technical support across asphaltic and pavement products.

You will design experiments, analyze data, and help bring new materials from concept to production. The position requires a BS degree in a science or engineering field, at least three years of relevant experience, and strong knowledge of rheology and testing methods.

Qualifications

• BS degree or equivalent in science or engineering
• “Three years’ experience in formulation, evaluation and development of modified asphalt or pavement materials”
• Experience with asphalt modification and lab work on pavement materials
• Proficiency in rheology and interpretation of viscoelastic behavior
• Ability to develop and document test methods when needed
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry is preferred

Responsibilities

• Formulation development and specification conformance for asphaltic materials and coatings
• Support product development across the portfolio
• Issue and update raw material specs and production instructions
• Balance cost with quality and sustainability objectives
• Provide technical assistance to sales, marketing, and production teams
• Plan and coordinate experimental analyses and controlled experiments
• Maintain records and communicate progress and risks

Skills

Formulation development

Rheology

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

Project coordination

Technical reporting

MS Office

Education

BS degree in science/engineering

Tools

MRP systems

Word/Excel/PowerPoint

Job description

Crafco has an opening for a Research Engineer at our corporate headquarters in Phoenix, AZ.

The Research Engineer is responsible for research, formulation development, production instructions, and specification conformance of asphaltic and pavement materials, emulsion and modified asphalt coatings, adhesives, RTV silicones and other assigned Crafco products, and providing technical support for sales and marketing. The Research Engineer has responsibility for investigation of alternate raw material sources for use in manufacturing processes and development of new products. Extensive understanding of specifications for products assigned and for raw materials and use characteristics is required. The Research Engineer will require a research-oriented mindset, skills in experimental methods and experimental design, and a data-driven approach to solving material and product performance problems.

This position offers a competitive salary rate with an excellent benefits package including: Profit Sharing, Matching 401(k), Health, Life, Disability, Dental, Vision, Holiday, Personal & Sick pay, Maternity/Paternity leave and more!

Specific Duties Include

• Formulation development and specification conformance of asphaltic and pavement materials, coatings, adhesives and silicone products.
• Working with the product development group on research projects across Crafco's product portfolio, including asphalt, coating, roofing, pavement preservation, adhesives and silicone products.
• Issuing and updating raw material specifications, production formulations, manufacturing instructions for assigned products and all checklist documentation.
• Adjustment of product formulations as required to maintain production of in-specification materials at the lowest cost consistent with quality, performance and sustainability objectives.
• Working with product engineers and managers on monitoring of raw materials characteristics used in production and adjustments of product formulas as required to maintain uniform product characteristics.
• Providing technical assistance to other company functions regarding use and application of assigned products.
• Communication with vendors regarding raw materials of use in Crafco products.
• Monitoring of specification conformance of assigned products in conjunction with Quality Assurance Manager.
• Planning and coordinating experimental analyses of raw materials, manufacturing methods, and finished products for use in developing formulations, manufacturing instructions and procedures. Designing controlled experiments, analyzing data statistically, and using results to support technical decisions and product improvements.
• Planning and coordinating research activities involved with development of assigned products. Owning projects from problem definition through laboratory evaluation, field or production validation, and implementation, with clear objectives, milestones and timely communication of progress and risks.
• Performing laboratory testing and evaluations in a safe, accurate and consistent manner in accordance with specifications.
• Stay current with relevant technical literature, standards and advances in rheology and materials testing. Develop or adapt test methods as needed, establish repeatability and relevance to intended use, and document procedures for consistent use by other teams.
• Occasionally represent Crafco at technical meetings, conferences and industry committees, presenting research findings clearly and communicating relevant technical developments to internal teams.
• Maintain appropriate records and files of data, instructions, and procedures in the Materials Engineering Filing System, including traceable test conditions, results, analyses and technical conclusions.
• Timeliness of performing required functions.
• Must keep equipment clean and in good working condition.
• Must keep work area clean and organized.
• Cooperation with other employees in the department and the company regarding performance of assigned duties and other company activities. Demonstrate selfless leadership by putting team and company goals first, sharing knowledge and credit, supporting colleagues, and taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a BS degree or equivalent experience in a science or engineering field (chemistry, physics, materials or polymer science, chemical, civil or petroleum engineering, or a related field).
• Minimum of three years' experience or equivalent with formulation, evaluation and development of modified asphalt, pavement materials, sealants, adhesives, coatings or related products.
• Strong working knowledge of asphalt modification and hands-on laboratory experience with asphaltic and pavement materials.
• Proficiency in rheology, including dynamic shear rheometry, interpretation of viscoelastic behavior, and familiarity with current and emerging test methods and applicable ASTM and AASHTO standards.
• Ability to develop, validate and document test methods when existing methods do not adequately address product performance or research needs.
• Knowledge of polymer chemistry and the chemistry of paving materials is preferred.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound experimental judgment, and the adaptability to work on multiple products and concurrent projects across Crafco's product lines.
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including data analysis and preparation of clear technical reports and presentations.
• Strong team player with effective presentation, coordination and communication skills across research, quality, manufacturing, product management, sales and other teams.
• Working knowledge of MRP systems is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Clean driving record.

About Crafco, Inc.

Crafco, Inc. has delivered confidence through innovation, quality, and value to our customers since 1976. Crafco is the world's leading manufacturer in quantity and diversity of packaged pavement preservation products and equipment. As a subsidiary of Ergon, Inc., our core values consist of Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Purposeful Growth, and Respectful Relationships, which provide an excellent work environment for future growth. We have a great culture of people working together. If you are looking for a great career with a job you enjoy, check us out.

Learn More About Crafco And Ergon

http://crafco.com

https://ergon.com/sustainability

Contact us to see if you can be a part of our TEAM.

Crafco, Inc. is an EEO employer and a drug-free workplace. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US and have a valid driver's license. Any employment offers are contingent upon a pre-employment drug test and background check.