Research Engineer

Crafco•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Crafco is hiring a Research Engineer at its corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. The role is responsible for research, formulation development, production instructions, and specification conformance for assigned products, including asphaltic and pavement materials, emulsions and modified asphalt coatings, adhesives, RTV silicones, and other Crafco products. It also provides technical support to sales and marketing and investigates alternative raw material sources and new product opportunities. The position applies experimental methods and design, statistical data analysis, and a data-driven approach to material and product performance problems. The engineer plans and coordinates research and testing, develops and documents formulations, specifications, test methods, manufacturing instructions, and procedures, and works with product engineers, managers, vendors, and other functions. Projects may span Crafco’s asphalt, coating, roofing, pavement preservation, adhesive, and silicone product lines, and may run from problem definition through laboratory evaluation, field or production validation, and implementation. The role includes safe and consistent laboratory testing, maintaining traceable technical records, equipment and work-area upkeep, and communicating findings and project progress. The engineer may also represent Crafco at technical meetings, conferences, or industry committees. The position is based at Crafco’s Phoenix headquarters and requires travel up to 25% of the time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and have a valid driver’s license; offers are contingent on a pre-employment drug test and background check.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a science or engineering field, such as chemistry, physics, materials or polymer science, chemical, civil, or petroleum engineering, or a related field.
At least three years of experience or equivalent with formulation, evaluation, and development of modified asphalt, pavement materials, sealants, adhesives, coatings, or related products.
Strong working knowledge of asphalt modification and hands-on laboratory experience with asphaltic and pavement materials.
Proficiency in rheology, including dynamic shear rheometry, interpretation of viscoelastic behavior, and familiarity with current and emerging test methods and applicable ASTM and AASHTO standards.
Ability to develop, validate, and document test methods when existing methods do not adequately address product performance or research needs.
Intellectual curiosity, sound experimental judgment, and adaptability to work on multiple products and concurrent projects across Crafco product lines.
Working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including data analysis and preparation of clear technical reports and presentations.
Strong teamwork, presentation, coordination, and communication skills across research, quality, manufacturing, product management, sales, and other teams.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Clean driving record and valid driver's license.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Employment offers are contingent upon a pre-employment drug test and background check.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of polymer chemistry and the chemistry of paving materials.
Working knowledge of MRP systems.

Responsibilities

Develop formulations and ensure specification conformance for asphaltic and pavement materials, coatings, adhesives, and silicone products.
Work with the product development group on research projects across asphalt, coating, roofing, pavement preservation, adhesive, and silicone products.
Issue and update raw material specifications, product formulations, manufacturing instructions, and checklist documentation.
Adjust formulations to maintain in-specification production at the lowest cost consistent with quality, performance, and sustainability objectives.
Monitor raw material characteristics with product engineers and managers, and adjust formulas as needed to maintain uniform product characteristics.
Provide technical assistance to company functions regarding use and application of assigned products.
Communicate with vendors regarding raw materials used in Crafco products.
Monitor specification conformance of assigned products in conjunction with the Quality Assurance Manager.
Plan and coordinate experimental analyses of raw materials, manufacturing methods, and finished products to develop formulations, instructions, and procedures.
Design controlled experiments, analyze data statistically, and use results to support technical decisions and product improvements.
Plan and coordinate research activities for development of assigned products.
Own projects from problem definition through laboratory evaluation, field or production validation, and implementation; define objectives and milestones and communicate progress and risks in a timely manner.
Perform laboratory testing and evaluations safely, accurately, and consistently in accordance with specifications.
Stay current with technical literature, standards, and advances in rheology and materials testing.
Develop or adapt test methods as needed, establish their repeatability and relevance, and document procedures for consistent use by other teams.
Occasionally represent Crafco at technical meetings, conferences, and industry committees, present research findings, and communicate technical developments to internal teams.
Maintain appropriate, traceable records of data, test conditions, results, analyses, instructions, and procedures in the Materials Engineering Filing System.
Perform assigned duties promptly; keep equipment clean and in good working condition and the work area clean and organized.
Cooperate with colleagues and demonstrate selfless leadership by prioritizing team and company goals, sharing knowledge and credit, supporting colleagues, and taking responsibility for outcomes.
Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor.