Development Chemist

Technical Leadership & Material Expertise

• Act as the subject-matter expert on rubber materials, formulations, and processing interactions.
• Analyze how raw materials, mixing parameters, and downstream processes affect compound performance.
• Evaluate the consequences of formulation or process changes and provide clear guidance to stakeholders.
• Support quality, purchasing, and customer-facing teams with technical insight and problem-solving.

Compound Development Ownership

• Lead the full lifecycle of compound development-from initial concept and formulation through pilot trials and full-scale production.
• Maintain accountability for performance, manufacturability, cost, and customer satisfaction at every stage.
• Document development work, testing results, and decision rationales to ensure traceability and continuous improvement.

R&D Mixing Lab Leadership

• Establish, equip, and operate an R&D mixing laboratory to support innovation, testing, and rapid prototyping.
• Develop lab procedures, safety protocols, and testing workflows aligned with production requirements.
• Use the lab to accelerate development cycles, validate new materials, and troubleshoot production issues.

Collaboration with Mixing Facility

• Partner closely with the mixing facility and its team to align capabilities, processes, and development needs.
• Ensure smooth scale-up from lab to production by coordinating trials, optimizing parameters, and validating performance.
• Provide technical training, guidance, and support to mixing personnel as needed.

Core Responsibilities

Formulation & Recipe Development

• Develop new rubber formulations and compound recipes tailored to performance, processing, and cost requirements.
• Maintain and continuously refine existing formulations to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with evolving material availability and customer needs.

Cost Optimization & VAVE

• Identify and execute material-based cost-reduction opportunities without compromising performance.
• Lead Value-Add/Value-Engineered (VAVE) initiatives by evaluating alternative raw materials, optimizing formulations, and improving process efficiency.

Project Leadership

• Drive technical and cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with timelines, deliverables, and business objectives.
• Coordinate with purchasing, quality, production, and customer teams to ensure smooth execution and clear communication.

R&D Lab Development

• Build and develop an R&D laboratory to support formulation work, testing, and rapid prototyping.
• Establish lab workflows, equipment needs, safety practices, and testing capabilities that mirror or support production processes.

Team & Meeting Leadership

• Lead technical discussions, cross-functional meetings, and project reviews with clarity and authority.
• Facilitate collaboration across departments to ensure alignment on materials, processes, and development priorities.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across formulation, mixing, testing, and production processes.
• Use data, testing results, and root-cause analysis to drive improvements in quality, performance, and efficiency.

Technical Communication & Presentations

• Prepare and deliver clear, compelling presentations for internal teams, leadership, and customers.
• Translate complex technical information into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze test results, production data, and material performance trends to guide decision-making.
• Compile concise, well-structured summaries and technical reports that document findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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