What are the responsibilities and job description for the Materials Scientist position at ABBA Roller?
Location: Ontario, CA
Department: Engineering / Manufacturing / Technical Support
Reports To: Engineering Manager / Operations Leadership
Employment Type: Full-Time
POSITION OVERVIEW
ABBA Roller is seeking a Material Scientist with hands-on experience in rubber and polyurethane materials to support and expand our industrial roller manufacturing and recovering operations. This role is critical to ensuring material performance, consistency, and differentiation across demanding web-handling, converting, coating, laminating, and extrusion applications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Material Formulation & Development
• Develop, modify, and optimize rubber and polyurethane formulations used in industrial rollers.
• Tailor materials for durometer, chemical resistance, abrasion, compression set, and temperature performance.
• Support development of specialty roller covers such as low-durometer applicators, high-release, anti-marking, and high-wear compounds.
Testing, Analysis & Quality Support
• Perform and interpret lab testing including durometer, tensile, abrasion, compression set, and chemical swell testing.
• Analyze failed rollers and returned components for root cause.
• Maintain formulation records, batch traceability, and testing documentation.
Manufacturing & Process Support
• Support rubber mixing, urethane casting, curing, and finishing operations.
• Assist with process troubleshooting, cure optimization, and scrap reduction.
• Support scale-up from lab to production.
Application Engineering & Customer Support
• Support sales and customers with application-based material recommendations.
• Evaluate web tension, nip load, speed, temperature, and chemical exposure.
• Assist with customer trials and competitive material comparisons.
Continuous Improvement
• Support DOE initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Stay current with ASTM standards and elastomer trends.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Science.
• 3 years experience in rubber or polyurethane manufacturing.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Familiar with ISP9001
PREFERRED
• Industrial roller or web-handling experience.
• Cast polyurethane experience.
• Customer-facing technical support experience.
WHY ABBA
This role directly impacts roller performance, customer success, and competitive differentiation.
Salary : $75,000 - $100,000