Lab/Polymer Engineer - Recycling & Materials Development

Vinmar International•Belmont, NC

15h

About The Position

Job Summary: We are seeking a hands-on Lab/Polymer Engineer with strong experience in plastics recycling and polymer compounding to manage day-to-day laboratory operations. Responsibilities include recycled material development, testing, lab oversight, and inventory management. This role works closely with customer service to communicate product status, ensure inventory accuracy, and support on-time shipments, while collaborating with R&D, quality, and manufacturing teams. Key Responsibilities: Operate and manage day-to-day laboratory activities related to polymer and recycled material testing Develop, test, and optimize polymer formulations, including recycled and post-consumer resin (PCR) materials Conduct material characterization and analysis (mechanical, thermal, rheological, and physical testing) Support recycling process development, material qualification, and performance validation Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, and testing protocols Manage lab supplies, chemicals, samples, and raw material inventory Implement and maintain lab safety procedures, documentation, and compliance standards Analyze test data and prepare clear technical reports and recommendations Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and R&D teams to support product improvement Troubleshoot material, processing, and performance issues related to recycled polymers Analyze data and prepare technical reports and recommendations Maintain accurate inventory records within the inventory management system Communicate regularly with customer service and operations teams regarding product availability, batch status, and shipment readiness Ensure products are properly labeled, documented, and released for shipment #VRS

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
4+ years of hands-on experience with polymer compounding and plastics recycling
Experience compounding recycled plastics and PCR materials
Hands-on experience with compounding equipment and polymer processing
Familiarity with standard polymer lab testing methods and equipment
Proven ability to independently manage a laboratory
Experience with inventory management and material tracking
Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills.
Experience operating standard polymer lab equipment (e.g., melt flow index, tensile testing, DSC, TGA, rheometer, extruders, or similar).

Responsibilities

Operate and manage day-to-day laboratory activities related to polymer and recycled material testing
Develop, test, and optimize polymer formulations, including recycled and post-consumer resin (PCR) materials
Conduct material characterization and analysis (mechanical, thermal, rheological, and physical testing)
Support recycling process development, material qualification, and performance validation
Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, and testing protocols
Manage lab supplies, chemicals, samples, and raw material inventory
Implement and maintain lab safety procedures, documentation, and compliance standards
Analyze test data and prepare clear technical reports and recommendations
Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and R&D teams to support product improvement
Troubleshoot material, processing, and performance issues related to recycled polymers
Analyze data and prepare technical reports and recommendations
Maintain accurate inventory records within the inventory management system
Communicate regularly with customer service and operations teams regarding product availability, batch status, and shipment readiness
Ensure products are properly labeled, documented, and released for shipment