Essential Functions

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Support the vision, mission, and guiding principles of the company.
• Observe applicable safety, health, and environmental rules and guidelines, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Attend and participate in training opportunities and seminars relevant to the position.
• Adhere to company operating procedures, benefit rules, employment policies, and safety policies.
• Conduct research to develop complex, new, and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
• Research, design, and develop tools, engines, machines, controls, equipment, and mechanical processes.
• Design and formulate complex chemical products such as synthetic rubber, plastics, polymers, and thermoplastic compounds.
• Coordinate R&D efforts with Marketing, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance regarding product feasibility and development timeframes, and maintain project status updates using the approved project management tool.
• Review customers' technical needs and assist sales engineers in developing product and service solutions to meet those needs; may perform sales presentations to prospective customers and conduct user training.
• Choose and implement analysis and testing techniques for material characterization, and coordinate physical testing and evaluation of raw materials and finished products to establish and maintain comprehensive product specifications.
• Develop and implement production and processing methods and controls to meet quality standards in the most cost-effective manner.
• Review and make recommendations regarding suppliers' proposals for process improvements and equipment additions or modifications.
• Evaluate competitors' products and materials, including patent information, to help establish benchmarks for new products.
• Maintain current knowledge of “green” materials, processes, and equipment possibilities, and incorporate where feasible.
• Train managers and associates on new products, including raw materials, manufacturing procedures, product specifications and properties, and application characteristics.
• Adopt and utilize ISO 9000 procedures.
• Review daily operating variances and troubleshoot for resolution.
• Travel to existing and potential customers to support the design of new products.
• Interact with suppliers, consultants, customers, universities, and others to support the duties above.
• Collaborate with other members of Habasit's R&D team worldwide.
• Maintain responsibility for product and material certifications and approvals by the appropriate agency when required, including NSF, USDA, USDA Dairy, EU, and REACH.
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Product Development R&D (US).

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

• Technical and Scientific Expertise.
• Project Management.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration.
• Communication Proficiency (written and verbal).
• Continuous Learning and Innovation.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises the Engineering Technician.

Work Environment

This position operates in a laboratory, office, and manufacturing environment. The role may include exposure to chemicals, machinery, noise, and production environments, requiring adherence to safety and PPE protocols.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to talk and/or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to lift up to 20 pounds; occasionally required to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Travel

This position requires travel to existing and potential customer sites to support new product design and development. Travel may include overnight stays.

Required Education and Experience

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.

Preferred Education and Experience

• MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing experience with PVC.
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in analytical, testing, and characterization techniques for polymeric materials.
• Experience with plastics and rubber chemistry.
• Project management experience in R&D/product development, with the ability to interface with manufacturing, marketing, quality assurance, and customers.
• Strong analytical skills, with excellent verbal, technical writing, and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CAD software (SolidWorks or Pro/Engineer a plus).

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some overtime may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Employment with Habasit America is at-will. Habasit America is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.