Polymer Materials Engineer

Freudenberg • Findlay, OH

1d

About The Position

Develop, formulate, qualify, and optimize thermoplastic compounds to meet customer, manufacturing, quality, and performance requirements. Lead investigations into material, processing, and product performance issues using structured root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies. Design and execute laboratory and production trials, including Design of Experiments (DOE), material characterization, and validation testing to support new product introductions and process improvements. Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and R&D teams to improve manufacturability, product performance, and cost competitiveness. Evaluate, qualify, and implement new materials, formulations, and suppliers to support innovation, supply continuity, and cost reduction initiatives. Serve as a technical resource for internal stakeholders and customers by supporting material selection, application development, troubleshooting, and performance optimization for new and existing products. Analyze material performance data, maintain technical documentation and material databases, and help establish best practices in thermoplastic materials and processing technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline.
• Three or more years of experience in materials engineering, polymer development, plastics processing, compounding, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of thermoplastic materials, polymer behavior, and manufacturing processes such as compounding, extrusion, or injection molding.
• Experience troubleshooting material, product, or process performance issues and implementing effective technical solutions.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills, including experience with statistical problem-solving tools, DOE methodologies, and material characterization techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheology, ASTM, or similar testing methods.
• Proven ability to manage multiple technical projects, work independently, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams while supporting customer and application development initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills with a passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and developing practical engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, formulate, qualify, and optimize thermoplastic compounds to meet customer, manufacturing, quality, and performance requirements.
• Lead investigations into material, processing, and product performance issues using structured root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Design and execute laboratory and production trials, including Design of Experiments (DOE), material characterization, and validation testing to support new product introductions and process improvements.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and R&D teams to improve manufacturability, product performance, and cost competitiveness.
• Evaluate, qualify, and implement new materials, formulations, and suppliers to support innovation, supply continuity, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Serve as a technical resource for internal stakeholders and customers by supporting material selection, application development, troubleshooting, and performance optimization for new and existing products.
• Analyze material performance data, maintain technical documentation and material databases, and help establish best practices in thermoplastic materials and processing technologies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level