Senior Staff Technician - Polymers Job
About The Position
The Senior Staff Technician in Arkema’s High Performance Polymers Division reports directly to the R&D Engineering Operations Manager. This position provides direct support to HPP R&D and indirectly supports business and manufacturing units responsible for Kynar® PVDF resins, Rilsan® PA resins and Kepstan® PEKK resins. The role involves providing high-quality technical service to customers and supporting key development projects alongside a Senior Research staff member. Activities focus on core industrial markets for Arkema High Performance Polymers (HPP), such as wire & cable and water filtration. The position requires planning and conducting laboratory studies (polymer formulation, processing, testing), completing data analysis, and drafting technical reports to support business and research objectives. The ability to manage multiple technical service efforts and development programs concurrently is essential. Strong teamwork and communication skills are crucial for success. This position contributes to the growth of the HPP business unit by participating in application development and new product development projects. The work will be performed primarily in the HPP Melt Processing and associated labs, with tasks assigned and coordinated by R&D engineers and managers. The position also requires full commitment to Arkema's safety culture. Physical demands include lifting up to 50 lbs, using hand/power tools, climbing ladders, and significant walking. Office work for data preparation and reporting is also required. Travel is not anticipated.
Requirements
- 5 to 10 years minimum of hands-on melt processing experience in an industrial or R&D setting.
- 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience with polymer characterization and testing.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
Nice To Haves
- Greater than 10 years of melt processing experience.
- Both industrial and R&D melt processing experience.
- Ability to analyze and report data.
- Fabrication skills including the ability to safely use a drill press, band saw, table saw, sanders.
Responsibilities
- Support melt processing activities including twinscrew compounding, Brabender compounding, extrusion (wire, tube, pipe, cable, film, busbar), injection molding, compression molding, and rotomolding.
- Set-up and safely operate melt processing and auxiliary equipment.
- Troubleshoot melt processing issues.
- Learn to melt process polymers and compounded products including PVDF, PA and PEKK.
- Support polymer testing activities including Tensile Testing, Flexural Testing, Impact Testing, Rheological Testing, and Hardness Testing.
- Perform chemical exposure studies.
- Take ownership of an industrial area, ensuring equipment is working properly and managed.
- Maintain area appearance by ensuring cleanliness, proper tool storage, and adherence to 5S principles.
- Maintain documentation and provide support to others in the HPP Melt Processing Lab.
- Identify and implement improvements for operations, safety, and efficiency.
- Support other Arkema programs with proactive actions to improve operations, environment, and safety.
- Train new people on the use of melt processing technologies.
- Develop skills to train others in performing physical tests.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
