Thomas Brooke International is Hiring an Inkjet Materials Scientist Near Reno, NV
The Opportunity
Develop innovative polymer-based materials for niche inkjet application in PCB industry
Broad, cross-disciplinary role with tremendous opportunity to leverage current technology base for future expansion into new markets
Succession planning role – outstanding long term career path to become the company expert and ultimately lead the technical team
Collaborative, no-drama culture; sense of humor is a vital requirement
Be a key member of a small technical team but with access to parent company resources
Established, stable company with many long-term employees
What You’ll Do
First priority is to improve performance of existing key product. This includes both product formulation and process elements.
You will analyze product performance, characterize materials and provide direct leadership of improvement initiatives to ensure customer success, including testing materials as well as manufacturing processes on in-house lines that replicate customer production environments
Work closely with Operations to develop and improve processes for existing products
Manage technicians and directly work in the lab – this is NOT a remote role
Medium term priorities are to develop the technology platform for applications in additional end-use markets; and to become fully knowledgeable in all Company products and application methods/processes – be the Company expert
You’ll manage and make the most of the Company’s university research partnership relationships
You’ll write technical papers and travel to give presentations at industry conferences and technical events to promote the Company’s innovation leadership
You’ll maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies and opportunities for the Company to either develop or acquire additional innovative materials and processes that align with future market opportunities of interest
You will also interface with customers for product testing/trials and technical support, to ensure the correct product selection with the right characteristics for a given application.
Longer term, this role is ideally positioned for succession when the current technical leader retires
The Profile
Advanced degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering or similar relevant discipline is REQUIRED
5 years industrial experience formulating polymer-based products, including a cross-disciplinary function spanning product and process development: you enjoy the lab but are also comfortable supporting production – this is a CORE REQUIREMENT
Solid understanding of structure-property relationships specific to the interaction between materials, with proven practical application in real-world problem solving and product development/innovation. This is REQUIRED. Direct experience with composites very helpful
Meaningful experience with inkjet technology is REQUIRED
Experience with photolithography very helpful
Excellent analytical and material characterization skills including statistical analysis, failure analysis etc. – you can get to the root cause of a problem and also offer solutions
Practical problem solving and results orientation – you like to focus on outcomes, not on process for its own sake
Good communications, public speaking and presentation skills – you’re comfortable presenting to audiences of varying technical knowledge and can communicate at all levels internally and externally
Good EQ and diplomatic skills – you know how to get things done, how to influence and collaborate without a direct line of authority
Experience working for a Japanese owned company is an advantage
Good sense of humor and manageable ego are firm requirements!
Willing to live/relocate to the Reno NV area and travel 10-20%