Sr. Technical Specialist, Polymer Technology
About The Position
The Senior Technical Specialist, Polymer Technology will be a significant contributor to a world-class organization by supporting with plastics expertise and owning all polymer-related aspects from concept phase to product launch. This role will lead the Polymer Technology Team, an internal group of specialists covering material vetting/selection/qualification, design optimization, testing, as well as DFM, process simulation, tooling, and process improvements. The team closely collaborates with design engineers and suppliers throughout the product development process, optimizing part function, efficiency, and cost. It is also involved with cross-functional teams (supply chain, industrialization, quality, studio, legal, etc.) in ownership of material attributes. The specialist will also be an expert contributor to address specialized/niche subject matter not covered by the team’s experience. They will utilize their understanding of polymer materials (thermoplastics/elastomers/thermosets, coverstocks, adhesive, paint/coating, composites) and processing (DFM, process simulation, tooling, process) for technical guidance and education of the organization, problem-solving, and holistic decision-making processes. This role will drive innovation by identifying technology needs and converting them into scalable “technology demonstrator” prototypes. Finally, the specialist will own the standardization of materials, tooling, and processes.
Requirements
- B.S. in polymer engineering, material science or related field
- 10+ years’ experience supporting multiple systems across the vehicle in aspects of materials, engineering design, tooling, process and testing
- 5+ years of responsibility leading material selection with accountability, and shaping material/design/tooling strategy
- Must have worked in an automotive development environment through complete product development process from concept to launch
- Good knowledge of polymer materials in all forms (thermoplastics, elastomers, adhesives, coverstock (coated fabric, textiles), paint, composites), and their use in automotive components
- Familiar with design rules for function, manufacturing, and cost optimization
- Significant involvement in interpretation of flow simulation and tool design
- Proven hands-on experience with plastic injection molding process, including process optimization
- Experience with secondary processes (e.g. joining, painting, plating, press/vacuum lamination)
- Exemplary verbal and written communication skills
- Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% if needed
Nice To Haves
- M.S. or PhD in polymer engineering, material science or related field
- Experience with other plastic manufacturing processes (incl. lesser common variants) and their part designs (e.g. water assisted IM, extrusion, blow molding, thermal forming, compression molding, pultrusion, slush molding, RTM)
- Experience developing and implementing test methods and material characterization
Responsibilities
- Own all polymer-related aspects from concept phase to product launch
- Lead Polymer Technology Team, covering material vetting/selection/qualification, design optimization, testing, DFM, process simulation, tooling, and process improvements
- Collaborate with design engineers and suppliers throughout product development process
- Optimize part function, efficiency, and cost
- Work with cross-functional teams (supply chain, industrialization, quality, studio, legal, etc.) in ownership of material attributes
- Address specialized/niche subject matter not covered by the team’s experience
- Provide technical guidance and education on polymer materials and processing
- Solve problems and contribute to holistic decision-making processes
- Drive innovation by identifying technology needs and creating scalable prototypes
- Own standardization of materials, tooling, and processes
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- life and disability coverage
- paid time off
- paid holidays
- paid sick leave
- 401(k) retirement plan
- equity program
- discretionary annual cash incentive program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
