Resin/Polymer Specialist - BOPP

Taghleef Industries Group; Terre Haute (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Taghleef Industries Group seeks a Resin Specialist to lead polypropylene resin technology for BOPP film production. You will guide resin selection, optimize processes, and work with global teams to improve efficiency and product performance.

The role requires deep expertise in resin structure-property relationships, collaboration with Manufacturing, Procurement, R&D, and Product Development, and ongoing evaluation of new resin grades. 25-40% travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in polymer-related field is required.
• 8–15 years in polypropylene resin technology (PP) preferred.
• 5+ years supporting BOPP film manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the global technical expert on PP resins for BOPP film production.
• Lead resin selection standards and technical specifications.
• Support Terre Haute manufacturing to resolve resin-related issues.
• Lead resin performance trials and review supplier documentation.

Skills

Resin technology

Polymer science

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Polymer Engineering

Master's or PhD in Polymer Science

Job description

Reports to Head of Operations based in Terre Haute

Position Summary

The Resin Specialist is the company's subject matter expert on polypropylene resins and related additives used in the manufacture of BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) films. This role provides technical leadership in resin selection, qualification, troubleshooting, process optimization, supplier collaboration, and new product development.

The Resin Specialist works closely with Manufacturing, Procurement, R&D, Product Development, Quality, and Commercial teams globally to maximize production efficiency, improve film performance, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Resin Technology Leadership

• Serve as the global technical expert on polypropylene resins used for BOPP film production.
• Develop deep understanding of resin structure-property relationships and their impact on film processing and performance.
• Recommend optimal resin grades for various film applications.
• Evaluate alternative resin technologies to improve competitiveness.
• Establish global resin selection standards and technical specifications.

Production Support

• Support manufacturing in Terre Haute in resolving resin-related production issues.
• Analyze process variability caused by resin characteristics.
• Optimize extrusion and stretching conditions based on resin behavior.
• Improve line efficiency through resin optimization.
• Minimize waste, breaks, gels, fish eyes, and process instability.
• Participate in root cause analysis for major production problems.
• Act as the technical interface with global resin suppliers and procurement.
• Qualify new resin suppliers and new resin grades.
• Lead resin performance trials.
• Review supplier technical documentation.
• Benchmark supplier technologies and innovations.
• Build long-term technical partnerships with resin manufacturers.

Product Development

• Support development of new BOPP film products.
• Recommend resin formulations for specialty applications including:
• High clarity films
• High stiffness films
• Heat seal films
• Capacitor films
• Metallizable films
• Sustainable film solutions
• Work closely with Product Development Engineers during commercialization.

Technical Troubleshooting

Provide technical support for issues including:

• Melt fracture
• Gels
• Fish eyes
• Stretching breaks
• Low output
• Haze
• COF variations
• Poor metallization performance
• Monitor global resin technology developments and compare with our current resin and assets and recommend the improvements for productivity.
• Evaluate new catalyst technologies.
• Investigate bio-based and recycled PP resins.
• Support circular economy initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for downgauging and improved sustainability.

Testing & Data Analysis

• Melt Flow Index (MFI)
• Molecular Weight Distribution
• Ash Content
• DSC
• Crystallinity
• Rheology
• Correlate laboratory results with plant performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate closely with:

• Manufacturing
• Global Procurement
• Quality
• R&D
• Product Development
• Supply Chain
• Marketing
• Operations Leadership

Provide technical training to plant teams worldwide.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Plastics Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Master's or Ph.D. in Polymer Science is preferred.

Experience

• 8–15 years of experience in polypropylene resin technology.
• Minimum 5 years supporting BOPP film manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of resin manufacturing technologies.
• Experience working with major PP resin suppliers.

Preferred experience with suppliers such as:

• Borealis
• Braskem
• ExxonMobil
• INEOS
• SABIC
• Reliance Industries
• Total Energies
• CNPC
• Sinopec

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of:

• Random copolymers
• Impact copolymers
• BOPP extrusion
• TDO/MDO orientation
• Rheology
• Additive technology
• Slip systems
• Antiblock technology
• Nucleating agents
• Processing aids

Knowledge of downstream applications including:

• Packaging
• Labels
• Lamination
• Metallization
• Printing
• Heat seal technologies
• Technical problem solving
• Analytical thinking
• Project management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Effective communication

Success Measures (KPIs)

• Increased efficiency and output from the manufacturing.
• Reduction in production waste
• Improvement in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Reduction in film defects
• Qualification of new resin grades
• Speed of technical problem resolution
• Improvement in line productivity
• Successful commercialization of new products
• Sustainability improvements through optimized resin usage

Travel

Approximately 25–40% global travel to manufacturing facilities across Ti, supplier sites, and technical conferences.