BIM/Revit Technician
Amentum
Senior Researcher, Plastic Materials
USG
full-time
Posted on:
Origin: • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $98,640 - $131,520 per year
Job Level
Senior
About the role
- Oversee material selection, formulation development, and process optimization within extrusion operations
- Lead assessment and selection of thermoplastic resins, additives, and fillers to meet mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic requirements
- Develop and optimize material formulations through laboratory trials utilizing DSC, TGA, Rheology, and other analytical techniques
- Collaborate with extrusion engineers to refine process parameters (temperature, screw configuration, back pressure, throughput)
- Diagnose and address material-related defects and implement corrective measures
- Establish standardized protocols for material testing and acceptance criteria with thorough documentation and traceability
- Engage with suppliers to qualify new polymers, negotiate technical specifications, and manage trial shipments
- Support product innovation by evaluating emerging polymer chemistries and sustainability initiatives (bio-resins, recycled content)
- Provide technical training and mentorship to production and quality personnel
- Report directly to the Laboratory Director and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams focused on construction-related products
Requirements
- PhD or Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience (PhD) or 10 years’ experience (Master’s) in plastic extrusion development or materials laboratory settings
- Comprehensive understanding of thermoplastic extrusion processes, screw designs, and troubleshooting techniques
- Proficiency in the operation of polymer characterization instruments, including DSC, TGA, rheometer, and melt flow indexer
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Demonstrable experience in Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical process control methodologies
- Experience in polymer compounding, formulation development, and process optimization
- Ability to diagnose and address material-related defects (surface imperfections, dimensional inconsistencies, melt fracture)
- Excellent communication skills and proven ability to collaborate across functions
- Willingness and ability to travel to manufacturing plants and customer sites as necessary
