Job Description

Job Summary:

The Project Chemist reports to and works under the direction of the Director of Polymer Research. Functioning with minimum supervision, the Project Chemist is responsible for effectively developing a wide variety of organic monomers, polymers and composite materials. This job requires an intimate knowledge of processing techniques, rheology characteristics, organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemical principles and basic physics; and the ability to help correct problems by recommending options relative to the adjustments in chemistry, part design or processing equipment.

Main Duties:

• Performs projects and work assignments involved with developing new processes and performing causal analysis, complex synthesis and invention with minimum direct supervision. Reports on progress and difficulties encountered when requested.

• Development of new processes involves the identification and quantification of variables affecting the process, determination of methods applicable to Company objectives, and determination of economic benefits and trade-offs.

• Causal analysis involves the combination of knowledge regarding chemical reaction pathways and physical chemical relationships to determine if a process or scheme is feasible, or to make a judgment as to why an occurrence did or did not happen and how to harness the phenomenon in production.

• Complex synthesis involves the combination of chemical reaction sequences or property composition relationships to produce a new product.

• Invention is the development of new unpublished or unpatented methods or techniques and unknown chemical species.

Specific Job Functions:

• Synthesizes monomers and polymers at bench and pilot scale under a wide variety of organic and polymer preparative techniques. These will include bulk, emulsion and suspension polymerizations according to various mechanisms such as free radical, anionic, cationic, and charge transfer means. <

• Develops composite materials according to principles of material science with an emphasis on correlating physical properties with composition. The performance of this task will require application of a practical knowledge of molecular weight measurements, melt rheology, torque rheometry, extrusion and molding theory.

• Performs detailed interpretations of instrumental analysis of monomers, polymers, and composites prepared, using results of thermal analysis, FTIR, liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography as supplied by Analytical Services.

• Develops, through personal initiative, new concepts for monomers, polymers and composites for consideration by Management.

• Studies and researches technical literature related to job requirements.

• Submits research reports as required. Maintains research, production, and sample shipment records in accordance the laboratory standard record keeping procedures.

• Supervises and directs work of technicians assigned to assist Project Chemist with projects. Monitors and interprets results of tests and experiments carried out by technician in support of specified projects.

Experience and Qualifications:

Preferably 5+ years of experience in:

• Conducting and directing R&D work on phenolic resins

• Product and process development

• Supervising and directing technicians

• Extensive knowledge of phenolic resin chemistry, applications and processing techniques

• Comfortable with having direct customer contact/ interaction

• Experience with industrial manufacturing processes

• Working knowledge of the regulatory landscape related to the use, manufacturing and sale of chemicals

• Project management - internal and external

• Project documentation and creating reports

• Knowledge of prudent lab practices

• Some programming experience a plus

Soft skills:

• Good communication skills/ social skills

• Works well in teams

• Creative and self-motivated

• Flexible and willing to learn

Education:

• Master's or Doctorate Degree in Chemistry Required

Interested individuals should submit a resume and contact information to:

Jesse Brotz, HR Manager

Plastics Engineering Company

PO Box 758

Sheboygan, WI 53082-0758

or to: jobs@plenco.com

The Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. 

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