R&D/Process Engineer

What You’ll Be Part Of:
Join AstenJohnson’s New Product Development Team and be part of an organization that values safety, quality, innovation, and collaboration. As an R&D/Process Engineer, you will play a key role in supporting manufacturing operations and advancing the development of thermoplastic polymer materials and products for internal and external customers.

Position Details:
Location: Williston, VT
Job Type: Full-time, salaried exempt
Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 annually, depending on education, experience, and qualifications

General Scope of Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support by evaluating existing processes and configuring manufacturing systems to continuously improve quality, reduce cost, improve sustainability and develop best practices within the production processes. Will also be responsible for research and development of materials and blends of Thermoplastic polymers through systematic experimentation (Design of Experiments) aimed toward developing improved products for our internal and external customers. Analyze new and competitive materials as needed to stay ahead of competition. The position requires a working knowledge of process engineering tools. Preference will be given to technically competent, internally motivated, and results-oriented individuals.

Specific Responsibilities:
• Support the current process in manufacturing working closely with the manufacturing and quality leads
• Optimize and trouble shoot the manufacturing processes when go outside the normal process control limits
• Improve process capability while maintaining and improving quality standards using tools such as statistical process control to make data-based decisions
• Research and assist in assessing new manufacturing technology in area of compounding, extrusion and downstream process of monofilament manufacturing
• Lead Projects by helping to Prioritize, Plan and Execute projects based on business needs that will strengthen company’s technical knowledge of thermoplastic materials, contribute to the development of new products and build on current processing and product capabilities
• Develop trial plans using the rigor of DOE and run trial samples on pilot line for initial development trials
• Coordinate production scale-up and validation trials, working closely with the manufacturing teams on new products and product modifications
• Work with Central Engineering on equipment designs to develop a cost-effective process and working solutions to improve quality and productivity
• Assist procurement in raw material quality control and new material screening & qualification
• Collaborate with outside testing facilities, universities, suppliers and customers as needed
• Apply a sound basic knowledge of safety, environmental and energy-related issues during the execution of projects
• Maintain a safe workplace through compliance with all health & safety policies
• Performs other responsibilities related to job duties as assigned
• Help foster a work environment that advocates ethics, respect and diversity

Knowledge (Education/Training) or Equivalent – Required:
A Bachelor’s degree in Textile/Plastics/Polymer/Material Science/Technology/Engineering or Chemical Engineering with progressive industrial experience in R&D, Process and Product Development, Process Engineering in the following industries; Thermoplastic Polymer Extrusion of Film/Filaments or similar polymer extrusion continuous manufacturing environment to meet or exceed at least one of the requirements.
Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of experience
Master’s degree with 1–2 years of experience
PhD with at least 1 year of experience

Required Skills:
• Experience with process control engineering skills and latest process technologies in field of extrusion of thermoplastic polymers for filaments/films and blends
• Ability to design experiments and run trials to be efficient in the development of process and products
• Demonstrated Knowledge and hands on experience with mechanical, and analytical testing of materials like Tensile testing, DSC, FTIR etc. for material and product characterization
• Self-starter, positive attitude, highly motivated to deliver results and drive continuous improvement
• Be a highly visible, subject matter expert with sharp analytical, trouble-shooting skills using effective statistical tools to successfully complete projects and general day-to-day work
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams and/or as individual contributor as required with minimum supervision
• Proficient verbal & written communication skills with the ability to communicate and influence throughout multiple levels of the organization
• Demonstrated ability in influencing and leading others without formal authority, while maintaining effective working relationships

Desired Skills:
• Ability to lead processes like Cause and Effect/ Fault Tree Analysis and FMEA to trouble shoot or mitigate product and process risk (Project risk)
• Experience leading teams in the following area: Cross Functional Teams, Six-Sigma Solving Techniques, Lean Concepts and 5S
• Experience with Stage gate process will be a plus

Why You’ll Love Working Here:
• Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision plans
• Basic life insurance and AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
• Wellness Programs
• 401(k) (with match for eligible associates)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Holidays and Vacation Pay

Our Commitment to You:
At AstenJohnson, promotions and transfers are made without regard to age, race, color, sex, religion, handicap, veteran status, or national origin. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.