Sr. Product Development Engineer

Westlake; Longview (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake in Longview, Texas seeks a professional to support the Polyethylene Business by developing new polymer products that meet customer needs. You will perform experiments and develop solutions while serving as a liaison with various teams.

The ideal candidate should hold a B.S. degree in a relevant field and have 7 years of experience in Polymer Applications or Product Development. Strong communication skills and technical knowledge are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 7 years in Polymer Applications or Product Development preferred.
• Strong computer skills required.
• Understanding of polymers in chemistry and processing.

Responsibilities

• Develop new polymer products to meet customer needs.
• Conduct experiments and internal evaluations.
• Prepare reports and conduct technical training.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical information conveyance

Education

B.S. degree in Polymer Science/Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Support the Polyethylene (PE) Business by developing new polymer products that meet customer needs. Support existing polymer product lines using Polyethylene Technology assets to generate information needed for Technical Service, Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing to be successful. Serve as a liaison between Westlake, toll manufacturers and outside testing or service organizations, when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Become established as a technical expert in assigned Technology areas, use your skills for product development to support the PE Business objectives.

• Perform experiments to develop products and/or new technologies useful for the PE Business.
• Conduct internal evaluations of commercial and experimental products.
• Provide support to Operations, Technology, Marketing, and other Westlake divisions as needed, including:
• Lead cross functional product teams to solve product issues via manufacturing or technology solutions.
• Generate data for use in product launch and Marketing brochures.
• Establish finished Westlake PE product specifications.
• Assist laboratory functions as needed.
• Assist in the investigation, resolution, and documentation of quality complaints, to ultimate conclusions, in an equitable manner beneficial to company and customer.
• Prepare and issue detailed test run plans for both pilot and Manufacturing project trials, ensuring all aspects of operational, safety, and environmental areas are properly addressed.
• Prepare and issue detailed reports periodically to keep management abreast of project status.
• Prepare and conduct technical training for Westlake employees and customers.
• Assist Management with special projects, as assigned.
• Where needed, participate and represent Westlake’s interest in industry trade and technical associations such as SPI, SPE, ASTM, TAPPI and NFPA.
• Where needed, consult with outside vendors and customers regarding process equipment, industry practice and analytical procedures.
• Other duties as defined / assigned by Management.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Ideal candidate would be a problem‑solving innovator with an understanding of polymers from a chemistry and processing standpoint.
• B.S. degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Other degrees may be considered if candidate also has directly relevant experience.
• 7 years in Polymer Applications, Product Development, Manufacturing Compounds, or Technical Service, with knowledge of Quality Control principles is preferred.
• General polymer extrusion coating knowledge or familiarity with Polymer Processing and understanding of Process‑Structure‑Property relationships would be a huge plus.
• Having knowledge of Polymer Characterization and Testing would be preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to interact at all levels within the organization.
• Strong computer skills, with ability to effectively convey detailed technical information in a form that’s easily understood by people with a limited technical background.

Physical Demands

This job is performed mainly in office setting, laboratory or control room. Physical presence is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; have full use and range of motion of arms, hands and fingers to reach, grasp, hold, push or pull, twist, and work with tools; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to perform tasks that may require bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lying down or working from elevated platforms. The employee must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to see details of objects that are more/less than a few feet away; see differences between colors, shades and brightness and determine the distance between objects. This job requires response to audible emergency alarms inside of the plant. Employee must be able to evacuate when required.

Work Environment

The employee must be able to work in a normal chemical manufacturing environment, including enclosed spaces and exposure to various hazards. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, flame retardant clothing, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Westlake Chemical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.