Tire Materials Engineer

Nokian Tyres•Dayton, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Senior R&D Manager, the Tire Materials Engineer identifies process improvement opportunities, implements new rubber compounds and reinforcement materials, and drives product improvements through material and compound innovations. The role supports manufacturing excellence by ensuring robust, efficient, and sustainable tire production processes. The engineer leads the development, validation, and implementation of raw and reinforcement materials, rubber compounds, manufacturing processes, and equipment improvements. The position collaborates across R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain to introduce materials, technologies, and best practices, while supporting new product introductions and ensuring compliance with the company’s Quality Management System and global standards. The position is primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility, with regular presence in production areas. It requires the ability to work overtime and weekends as business needs require. Employees in production areas must wear appropriate personal protective equipment. The role requires at least seven years of industrial or manufacturing experience, including at least five years of hands-on tire industry experience, and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.

Requirements

Minimum of seven years of industrial or manufacturing experience.
Minimum of five years of hands-on experience in the tire industry.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to engage effectively with all levels of the organization.
Ability to solve complex technical challenges through in-depth analysis, sound judgment, and creative problem-solving.
Leadership skills, including the ability to establish challenging objectives and achieve results through collaboration and team engagement.
Strong problem-solving abilities and a root-cause-analysis mindset.
Working knowledge of applied statistics, Design of Experiments (DOE), cause-and-effect analysis, risk assessment methodologies, Lean Manufacturing principles, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Strong understanding of rubber compounding, reinforcement materials, and tire manufacturing processes.
High attention to detail and focus on prevention-based quality systems.
Experience with error-proofing methodologies and risk mitigation techniques.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work overtime and weekends as business needs require.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA or M.S.) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Implement departmental policies, strategies, and objectives that support Nokian Tyres operational and sustainability goals.
Lead development, validation, and implementation of raw materials, reinforcement materials, rubber compounds, manufacturing processes, and equipment improvements to ensure manufacturability, efficiency, and profitability.
Drive continuous improvement in compound development, material performance, manufacturing methods, and process control.
Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain to introduce new materials, technologies, and best practices.
Ensure compound and material implementation complies with the Nokian Tyres Quality Management System and global standards.
Support new product introductions through stable, capable manufacturing processes and robust material performance.
Promote Lean manufacturing principles and safe work practices consistent with Nokian Tyres values.
Maintain high product and rubber compound quality and manufacturing yields while ensuring optimal resource utilization and adherence to safety standards.
Support the implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.
Analyze current processes and practices, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions.
Share technical knowledge and best practices with colleagues across the organization.
Provide technical support and collaboration to other departments as needed.
Lead by example through positive reinforcement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.