Material Scientist-Polymer Chemist

Material Scientist-Polymer Chemist

The purpose of the Material Scientist-Polymer Chemist is to provide necessary analytical, technical support of R&D projects for new product development, introduction and deployment of innovative technologies, and scientific methodologies as well as conduct research to create and improve processes and products.

Essential Responsibilities

Research and Development Activities

• Lead ongoing analytical and other projects to develop polymer performance-processing parameters, material property, structure, and document appropriate procedures to standardize methods and or processes
• Innovate original approaches, processes, material, and solutions to address challenges in polymer manufacturing of plastic flakes, resin, sheets, and thermoform containers
• Owner of internal or company FDA Letter of No Objection research and development for submission for successful FDA approval
• Support routine lab inspection and testing activities (between projects/assignments as instructed by the Quality Leadership) (i.e., Flake and Pellet comparison analysis and recommendation)
• Develop inspection, testing protocols and technical reports, according to specific customer/company requirements. Prepare data summaries from lab studies for dissemination of information in scientific and management presentations
• Support the Sales Team and New Product Development with product/material development projects, and generate IP documentation
• Develop and implement methods for testing and inspection of polymers to enhance performance and effectiveness of material based on customer expectations
• Support the organization to validate new processes and new material introduction
• Lead investigations into customer complaints, identification of material science issues, root cause analysis efforts, and finding solution path

Operational Quality Activities

• Perform quality inspections per established sampling plan/matrix on incoming raw materials, work in progress (WIP), and finished goods
• Create and review raw material, work in progress (WIP) and finished good specifications
• Conduct periodic product performance verifications using process capability assessment tools and present recommendations to recalibrate or update specifications
• Conduct organic residual testing on materials using the Gas Chromatography Systems (GC-MS & GC-FID) and other methods
• Authorized to "Product Release" incoming raw materials, work in progress (WIP), and finished goods upon meeting product specifications as well as on Warehouse Management System on a daily basis
• Root cause unauthorized deviations to SOPs, work instructions, and product specifications
• Create and/or revise quality/lab work instructions based on new equipment, customer requirements, methodology and or production needs
• Monitor and ensure lab equipment is effectively performing and serviced, and all calibrations are completed and documented in a timely basis, all lab consumables are inventoried and ordered
• Understand and enforce all safety policies and procedures. Ensure employee wellness through safe work practices including ongoing training and coaching of employees
• Support customer complaint investigations and root cause analysis, documentation, trending, and validation of effective close out of RCA or investigations
• Responsible for customer complaint RMA product inspection and final disposition of product and Holds process
• Responsible for verification of root cause analysis outcomes, management of change actions, CAPAs and GMP findings

Other Duties

• Responsible for compliance with food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements
• Adhere to applicable prerequisite programs (PRP) per HACCP/Food Safety, SQF requirement.
• Additional day to day activities include mentoring quality team members, staying current with literature/scientific advances in the polymer science and the food & beverage industry
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify quality issues, meticulous
• High energy, enthusiastic, strong, visible leadership skills
• Able to work in a demanding environment, quick-learner, highly organized
• Results-driven and excellent critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, report writing and people skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical information
• Collaborator with exacting standards of integrity, ethics, and behavior
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Minitab, Tableau, ERPs, MES, and WMS systems.
• Willingness and ability to learn new systems

Qualifications

• 5+ years stable work experience in a related manufacturing setting, with 3+ years in a Quality role
• Previous experience working in an analytical laboratory
• Degree required in science, preferably in Chemistry
• Must be able to read and write in English, as well as proficiency in math
• Effective communication skills, ability to speak Spanish a plus
• Proven leadership/team management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development
• Hands-on approach, with a "can-do" attitude
• Demonstrate safe work habits and extensive knowledge of workplace safety is required

Benefits

We offer our employee's a competitive salary, wide range of generous benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 401K retirement plan with match; paid time off, holidays and floating holidays.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $80K - $115K annually, and will be impacted by factors such as the successful candidate's skill level, education, recent years of job-related experience and working location, as well as the specific position's business needs, scope and level. The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions as needed.

Additional Information

• 100% on-site
• No relocation reimbursement
• Must be authorized to work in U.S.
• Must be able to wear PPE entire shift
• Laboratory environment with the potential for some trips to manufacturing plant (same location)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. hr122023.