Scientist

Job Title: Scientist

Location: Cadillac, MI

Business Unit: Respiratory

Purpose of Position:

The Scientist will play a key role in advancing Avon Protection’s portfolio of filtration technologies. The Scientist will contribute to new development and research projects through design evaluation and studies focused on understanding and optimizing filter media performance, including factors such as gas protection mechanisms, sorbent bed behavior, and aging characteristics. New material investigations will include both traditional and modern sorbents as well as particulate filtration media. Additionally, the Scientist will support Avon’s current filtration products by assisting in investigations related to quality assurance, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting the concessions process when product or process deviations occur. This role will help ensure both the reliability of existing products and the advancement of future filtration technologies.

Essential duties and/or Functions:

• Filter Performance Requirements: Understand and stay up-to-date with national and international standards for military, first responder, and industrial filters. Ensure all filter products meet or exceed performance requirements.
• Knowledge of Filter Media: Stay informed on the capabilities and advancements of both particulate and gas filter media, including emerging materials. Investigate and evaluate both traditional and modern materials for new applications.
• Representation and Networking: Represent Avon Protection at research, standards meetings, with customers, and suppliers as appropriate. Foster relationships with key industry partners and contribute to ongoing developments in the field.
• Scientific Development & Project Management: Assume responsibility for scientific development on key projects. This includes acquiring materials, designing experiments, writing laboratory work orders, reducing and analyzing data, presenting findings, and determining next steps. Manage projects according to business plans, including budget creation and tracking, managing project timelines, and coordinating communication with project teams and stakeholders.
• Collaboration with Engineering Teams: Work closely with mechanical design and process engineers to optimize filter designs. Assist in the manufacture and testing of prototype samples to improve product performance.
• Support for Existing Filters: Support ongoing efforts related to current filters, including assisting improvements to production, writing and approval of concessions, and participating in problem-solving processes for quality issues.
• Customer Support: Answer customer inquiries related to filter performance, and technical requirements, providing clear and accurate information to assist with product selection, usage, and troubleshooting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide technical recommendations and support to product managers, sales teams, and other internal stakeholders. Assist with bid proposals and offer insight into technical specifications and design improvements.
• Clear Communication: Demonstrate professional communication skills in both verbal and written formats. Prepare reports on test data, including charts and graphs as necessary, to clearly communicate findings to internal teams, management, and external stakeholders.
  
  
  

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: B.S. degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) for data analysis, documentation, and reporting.
• Data Analysis Skills: Strong ability to analyze and interpret data from experiments and tests.
• Communication Skills: Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Self-Directed: Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects and priorities effectively.
  
  
  

Preferred/Desired Skills or Experiences:

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in research environment or industry.
• Experience working with military or industrial filtration systems is highly desirable.
  
  
  

Technical Expertise:

• Experience with particulate filtration, gas filtration media, sorbents, or separations.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques used in filter testing (e.g., gas chromatography, FTIR).
  
  
  

Project Management Skills:

• Experience in managing R&D projects
  
  
  

Software Proficiency:

• Experience with data analysis software such as Minitab, or similar tools for statistical analysis and modeling.
• Proficient in using statistical analysis tools to generate actionable insights.
  
  
  

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to overcoming technical challenges.
  
  
  

About Avon Technologies:

We design and produce life-critical personal protection solutions for the world’s militaries and first responders. With a portfolio that includes Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (“CBRN”), protection. We do this through our two brands, Avon Technologies and Team Wendy. Our mission is to provide unparalleled protection for those who protect us, giving them the confidence to tackle challenging situations and helping them get home safe. At Avon Protection, we recognize that our success relies on the collective efforts of our talented team. As an organization, we welcome individuals who embody our #FIERCE company values - fearlessness, integrity, excellence, resilience, collaboration, and the ability to execute.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

• Flexible Schedule
• Generous paid time off
• Competitive Compensation Package
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Bonus Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401k Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Mentorship Program
• Supplemental plans
• Company-paid life and AD&D
• Medical/Dental/Vision
  
  
  

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserved the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.

U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum (but excluding persons in nonimmigrant status such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, etc.) or non-U.S. citizens.

To comply with these laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within Avon that may present access to export controlled technical data, Avon must assess employees' U.S. person status, as well as citizenship(s).

The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at Avon's sole election.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without a sponsorship for employment visa status (e.e. H1B status).

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Cadillac, MI is $70,000 to $100,000 annually. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, type and years of experience within the industry, education, etc.

EOE, Including Vet/Disability