Senior Application Development Engineer

Trinseo LLC; Exton (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Sr. Application Development Engineer to join their R&D team in Exton, PA. This role focuses on innovative product development in thermoplastic compounds, particularly for automotive, electronics, and medical applications. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in polymer processing and collaborate closely with scientists and stakeholders to drive new developments. Join a company committed to diversity and inclusion, where your contributions will help shape the future of materials technology.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in application development with a PhD, 10+ years with a MS.
• Experience in polymer processing and leading product/application development.

Responsibilities

• Develop new testing capabilities for injection molded products.
• Provide technical support to customers during trials and troubleshooting.

Skills

Polymer Processing

Injection Molding

Thermoplastic Compounds

Data Analysis

Technical Support

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Master's in Material Science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Experimental Design Software

Job description

Overview

Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company – at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.

A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers – ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.

As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day.

Overview (Scope of Role)

Based at Trinseo LLC’s R&D Global Innovations Center (GIC) in Exton, PA, the Sr. Application Development Engineer supports key development projects in Rigid Engineered Compounds, but also consults and advises on PMMA Resins and Plastic Solutions areas. Primary focus is supporting application and product development activities as a specialist in thermoplastic compound formulation and processing. Experience with polycarbonate compounds in automotive, electronics, and medical markets is preferred. The role also interacts with the GIC’s Scientist community, providing process insight for upstream exploratory projects.

Responsibilities

Application and Product Development

• Develop new testing capability or equipment capability as needed to support new product and application development for injection molded products, including polycarbonate & polycarbonate/ABS blends.
• Conduct trials, develop process parameters, complete characterization, data analysis and prepare reports/presentations to support new developments for key projects, or programs. Able to interpret data and articulate results within work group as well as draw conclusions to help steer experimental planning.
• Coordinate with analytical sciences team to complete testing and summarize results.
• Generates and documents results to support product registration, technical literature, research direction, and patent applications.
• Stays up to date on developments in key markets of interest (automotive, electronic and medical), relevant processes, equipment, software, product design.
• Maintain close partnership with internal (commercial and new business development teams) and external stakeholders to accelerate new product/application development efforts
• Represent Trinseo in strategic customer meeting (including global accounts, key validation partners), conferences, tradeshows, and industry trade organizations.

Process Expertise

• Develop new processing and testing expertise to support our new developments in the relevant end markets
• Expert in thermoplastic extrusion and injection molding processes across multiple material classes
• Consultant for the GIC Scientist team on potential down-stream issues for new, exploratory projects
• Consultant for the GIC Research Process Engineering team and Engineering Technology group
• Actively participates in Trinseo’s safety programs and leads relevant safety initiatives as required.
• Ensure high level of technical excellence through sound use of scientific principles including design of experiment, critical thought, creative problem solving, analytical thinking, open and honest communication of best practices.

Technical Service

• Provide technical support to NA rigid compounds customers by responding to customer inquiries on products and literature in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide technical support at customer trials, which includes setting up equipment, conducting trials, and troubleshooting polymer processing issues.
• Assist in customer training on Trinseo LLC technology and market communication efforts.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in the Chemistry, Polymer, or Material Science fields
• 8+ years of industrial application development experience with a PhD, 10+ years with a MS
• Experience in polymer processing (especially injection molding and extrusion), and experience in leading product/application development efforts required. Polycarbonate experience preferred.
• Experience with thermoplastic materials and background in automotive, electronics, and medical markets strongly preferred
• Experience and/or training in polymer characterization, testing, and melt processing.
• Proficiency with PC software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, experimental design software).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal and presentation)
• Familiarity with Intellectual Property and the patent process

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.

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