Rubber Chemist

The Carlstar Group; Clinton (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Carlstar Group is seeking a Rubber Chemist to develop formulations that improve performance and reduce cost. You will connect lab results to tire performance while preserving plant productivity and will lead projects across cross-functional teams to feasibility, testing, and qualification.

You will perform qualitative and quantitative analyses, interpret data with colleagues, and prepare concise technical reports and PowerPoint presentations for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in rubber technology, plastics, or tires; Six Sigma belt beneficial.
• Strong statistics understanding for Six Sigma processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop rubber formulations to improve performance or reduce cost.
• Link lab compound performance to finished tire performance without impacting plant productivity.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and report results.
• Lead projects with cross-functional teams, coordinating feasibility, testing and qualification.
• Maintain equipment, materials, and reagents; support new product development and cost productivity programs.

Skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Statistics interpretation

Project management

Technical reporting

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or Polymer Science

Tools

FTIR

DMA

DSC

SEM-EDX

RPA

Rheometer

Mooney

Tensometer

Flex fatigue tester

Abrasion tester

Dispergrader

Ozone testing

Job description

Job Purpose Statement

The rubber chemist is responsible for developing formulas to improve performance and/or reduce cost. He/She will be responsible for linking compound performance in the lab to performance on a finished tire without any negative impact to plant productivity. He/She must be familiar enough with rubber mixing, extrusion, and calendaring technology to be able to successfully introduce new compounds to the plant. He/She will provide statistically supported data on all key attributes of the compound from the lab to finished product. At completion of a project, the rubber chemist will be required to complete a technical report. He/She must be able to present the project to a cross functional group outlining key product and process performance attributes through a power point presentation. The rubber chemist will help support the maintenance of all raw material specifications, mixing procedures, formulations, approved supplier list, and lab procedures. The rubber chemist is responsible for performing and interpreting chemical analyses and interpreting chemical analyses to determine qualitative and quantitative composition of ingredients, materials and products for The Carlstar Group as well as those of our competitors. In addition, he/she leads teams through effective project management, coordination, communication, feasibility, testing, qualification, and supporting new product development and cost productivity programs. The rubber chemist also provides technical support for our operations and customers. This position reports to the Quality Manager.

Qualifications

• Work with cross-functional teams to resolve existing product and raw material/component issues, and Supports the New Product Development teams for material development and qualification as needed for experimental runs at the plants (Procurement, Finance, Engineering, and Production)
• Must have working knowledge and capable of utilizing the following instruments to perform their job: FTIR, DMA, DSC, SEM EDAX, RPA, Rheometer, Mooney, tensometer, flex fatigue tester, abrasion test, dispergrader, and ozone testing.
• Must be willing to train and share their knowledge with others in the operation of this equipment and interpretation of the results.
• Must be able to complete projects in
• Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis and physical property testing of ingredients, materials and products and coordinates with external laboratories as needed.
• Interpret data statistically in cooperation with colleagues who initiate test requests.
• Produce concise, meaningful and complete reports to maintain proper communications.
• Develop analytical test methods, procedures and techniques to provide test capabilities which ensure accuracy and safety.
• Maintain proper equipment, materials and reagents to perform required testing.
• Participate in and maintain influence in appropriate professional and technical societies, standards organizations and forums.
• Utilize Six Sigma and Lean tools in support of projects
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Education And Experience

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science or other related science. Minimum of 5 years in rubber technology, plastics and/or tires is desirable. Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification a plus; demonstrated understanding of basic statistics for Six Sigma process. Strong understanding of engineering and polymer/plastics fundamentals with solid conceptual skills; strong project management.

Personal Trait Profile

Strong written and verbal communication skills; detail oriented. Strong analytical skills, highly motivated and quick learner. Self motivated and results oriented; initiates and drives value added projects to successful