Specialist I - Product Development

SUMMARY

This is the first job level as a Specialist in Product Development. In this role, the individual works closely with management and other Product Development personnel to administer technical projects, conduct internal product evaluations, manage assigned projects, and support the resolution of plant, product, and customer issues. Minimal customer interaction is done in this role, but participation in industry conferences is expected.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administer technical project activities for Polyethylene Technology by maintaining project documentation, coordinating team meetings, monitoring project activity, and conducting project review meetings.
• Initiate new product codes and assist in the management of established product codes.
• Support the management of product literature like Technical Data Sheets and Product Brochures.
• Conduct internal evaluations of commercial, developmental, and competitive products.
• Manage assigned projects.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining product specifications.
• Participate in activities to resolve plant, product, and customer complaints.
• Provide training for both Westlake employees and customers as required.
• Participate in assigned Product Stewardship Team(s) to ensure WLK PE products meet or exceed Customer expectations.
• Participate and represent Westlake's interest in industry trade and technical associations such as SPI, SPE, ASTM, TAPPI and NFPA.
• Consult with outside suppliers and customers regarding process equipment, industry practice, and analytical procedures.
• Travel when needed (up to 10% of time).
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of all personnel on site. Whenever appropriate, promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental incidents or issues to management so the situation can be corrected. Attend Monthly Safety meetings to help prevent off-site and job accidents.
• Effectively plan and organize job tasks and activities to make efficient use of time. Present and express information in an organized, understandable, complete, and concise manner.
• Interact effectively with others, regardless of level, to develop rapport, trust, and respect.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. or B.A. Technical Degree
• Must have a minimum of 2 years of progressive experience with polyolefins in technical service, production, quality control, quality assurance, or research and development functions.
• Computer experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This job is performed mainly in control room or office setting; 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 5 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 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 factory 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.

Westlake Management Services, Inc. is proud to offer equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants to join our company and to succeed as members of our team regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.