
R&D | Engineering | Quality
PRODUCT R&D MANAGER – MILLATHANES
CLEARWATER, FL – NEAR TAMPA
OVERVIEW
Initiate/oversee major R&D programs across the PUE Division, exercising technical leadership to coordinate multiple interrelated projects within the constraints of limited resources and changing priorities.
Report directly to the VP of SALES. Support all functional managers within PUE division.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE FOR THIS ROLE:
-
Ph.D. Organic Chemistry
-
10-15 years’ experience in Polyurethane product development (ideally thermoset, but could be thermoplastic, the building blocks and chemistry are the same). This is important, this is what the Company set up for. This could branch off into TPUs or coatings for example
-
Additional experience developing polymers for the rubber industry would be of value, but not required (for example, HNBR synthesis, or silicones). Rubber experience without PU experience is less desirable
-
Experience with new product scale-up and commercialization
-
Proven technical management and leadership experience
RESPONSIBILITIES
MILLATHANE AND THANECURE SUPPORT
· Study/understand existing Millathane® and Thanecure® chemistries, process technologies and analytical methods. Develop a basic understanding of how these products function and are used by our global customer base.
· Identify alternate process technologies to improve product quality, performance and cost efficiency.
· Understand the technical competitiveness of Company’s Millathane® and Thanecure® product lines. Provide R&D efforts to enhance existing grades and address product deficiencies where feasible.
· Identify/explore opportunities for developing new Millathane and Thanecure grades, or complimentary products or technologies.
· Apply R&D efforts towards identifying possible new applications for Thanecure T9 TDI dimer.
· Assist sales by interacting with customers during the introduction of new or experimental grades.
· Establish/solidify Company’s reputation as an industry leader in millable polyurethane and TDI dimer technologies.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCT LINES
· Use technical expertise to develop new, innovative ideas for products that are aligned with Company’s capabilities and business objectives, and fill market needs.
· Conduct technical research and interact with Sales, Customers and Suppliers as needed, to identify opportunities for new products and product lines that would help drive revenue and growth, including opportunities for business acquisitions.
· Develop/lead strategic R&D initiatives to drive revenue and growth.
· Actively explore opportunities for government funding of R&D projects, where feasible.
· Develop a curated pipeline of new products, with short-term and long-term time horizons
· Assist with transition of new products from lab phase, all the way to plant trials.
GENERAL
· Recommend resource allocation to accomplish projects according to plans. Consistently communicate progress and propose appropriate changes in timeline, objective, or direction.
· Be able/willing to wear multiple hats as needed, from basic R&D research, to product development, to process development and troubleshooting.
· Collaborate closely with Purchasing for the procurement of raw materials required for all R&D projects.
· Manage PUE technical staff as assigned. Coach, mentor the next generation of Company chemists and engineers. Expand Company’s research capabilities to stimulate further growth and innovation.
· Maintain divisional R&D procedures and report on performance.
· Develop test capabilities to support R&D and production test requirements
· Represent Company’s Industries Technology at Global Industry associations and events. Author papers, issues patents, engage with technical communities to stimulate interest in Company’s products
· Approve Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for new chemical raw materials.
· Utilize strong, professional communication (oral and written), organizational, and leadership skills.
· Utilize strategic thinking, and innovative thinking/problem-solving methods.
· Set goals and provide positive and constructive feedback, in a respectful manner, to build positive relationships and improve business results.
REQUIREMENTS
-
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry/other relevant technical discipline
-
10-15 years of success within a polyurethane manufacturing environment involving new product development, expanding product lines/applications, streamlining processes, leading strategic projects, securing government funding for R&D projects, containing costs, overseeing suppliers, interfacing directly with Customers and collaborating with all Departments internally.
-
Highly effective communication skills, ability to interface well with internal/external stakeholders.
-
Experience representing Company at industry associations and trade shows.
-
Experience performing as an integral player developing next generation products.
-
Experience leading technical teams.
Company is offering a competitive base salary, lucrative bonus structure, opportunity for internal growth, excellent benefits, and relocation assistance!
POLYURETHANES FORMULATIONS CHEMIST
CLEARWATER, FL (NEAR TAMPA, FL)
Global polymer manufacturer of rubber, plastics, specialty coatings, CASE products has immediate need!
OVERVIEW
The Formulation Chemist is responsible for planning/executing laboratory activities to support product and process development initiatives within the company. Must have more than five years of direct, hands-on experience with formulating 1K and 2K polyurethane systems and development of polyurethane polymers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Manage product/process development initiatives which may require knowledge and expertise in advanced concepts in the field of chemistry and/or polymer science
-
Reduce desired end-product attributes to a product development plan by relying on knowledge of structure-processing-properties relationships
-
Serve as a technical resource to Production, Quality, Engineering, Customer Service, and Sales
-
Assist in the creation and maintenance of batch processing instructions
-
Regularly communicate results of laboratory work to internal and external parties as required
-
Teamwork with all internal departments is essential
REQUIREMENTS
-
BS/MS in Chemistry. Knowledge and expertise in advanced chemistry concepts is required
-
5+ years of direct, hands-on experience with formulating 1K and 2K polyurethane systems and development of polyurethane polymers and adhesives is required
-
Knowledge of structure-processing-properties relationships is required
-
Familiarity with concepts in polymer science and materials science is desired
-
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quickly adapt to changing priorities
-
5+ years of experience in management of product and/or process development projects is required
-
People management experience is not required, but may be beneficial
-
Polyurethane/reactive hot melt environment experience with development scale up experience from bench to reactor is a valued plus
-
Travel is minimal, occasional technical shows/trade shows and special projects for customers
This is a growth opportunity with advancement potential into R&D Management. Relocation assistance will be offered for the right candidate!
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
(MANCHESTER, NH)
OVERVIEW
Provide technical expertise in the field of electrical/electromechanical process control. Support the Equipment Engineering group with the controls design and implementation into a variety of manufacturing equipment and processes.
Position is open due to the incumbent retiring after 40 years with the Company! This is a 1st shift position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Works as a contributing member of the Engineering staff in support of the design, construction, installation, and validation (FAT/SAT) of equipment and processes.
-
Perform all duties with consideration for teamwork and a high level of customer service
-
Install power supply wiring and conduit for newly installed machines and equipment, such as textile converting and plastic processing equipment
-
Plan layout and install wiring and devices for electrical control panels and total system wiring per engineered drawings.
-
Diagnose/repair/replace faulty electronic components (e.g., relays, switches, transformers, motors, motor controllers, positioning sensing devices, PLCs, and motion control systems)
-
Generate schematics for equipment modifications or new equipment
-
Must have technical skills sufficient to troubleshoot electrical/electronic component failures to the board level
-
Assist Maintenance Department with troubleshooting and diagnosing process control systems and devices when required
REQUIREMENTS
-
5+ years' experience performing the functions of an Electrical or Electrical Controls Technician in an industrial manufacturing environment
-
AS in Electrical or Electromechanical Engineering desired, not required
-
Experience must include control panel and systems assembly, troubleshooting and programming
-
Knowledge of Allen Bradley PLCs, AC VFD, servo, and DC drive technology
-
Knowledge of standards and safety codes as related to industrial electrical controls and systems (NEC, IEEE, UL)
-
Ability to comprehend and create electrical diagrams and schematics
-
Software Skills including AutoCAD
-
Ability to self-pace learn utilizing book, web-base and classroom participation