What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Manager - Rubber Manufacturing position at GRT Rubber Technologies?
GRT Rubber Technologies LLC is a manufacturer of industrial rubber conveyor belting and sheet rubber products used in demanding industrial applications. Our operations include in-house rubber compounding, calendering, extrusion, and vulcanization.
We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead product development, materials engineering, and technical support for our rubber manufacturing operations.
This role is responsible for developing rubber compounds, optimizing product performance and cost, and ensuring consistent product quality across our manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize rubber compound formulations to meet required product specifications (tensile strength, durometer, oil resistance, heat resistance, adhesion, etc.).
- Ensure compounds perform effectively in our manufacturing processes, including milling, extrusion, calendering, and vulcanization.
- Lead value engineering initiatives to improve product performance and reduce raw material costs.
- Establish and maintain production process parameters, including cure times, temperatures, pressures, and machine settings.
- Work closely with manufacturing to troubleshoot process issues and improve efficiency.
- Manage supplier qualification and raw material evaluation for rubber polymers, additives, and reinforcement fabrics.
- Collaborate with suppliers to develop improved materials and cost-effective alternatives.
- Oversee laboratory testing to ensure incoming materials and finished products meet required specifications.
- Lead investigation and resolution of product quality issues.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Rubber Technology, or related field
- 5 years of experience in rubber compounding or rubber product manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of vulcanization, rubber processing, and physical property testing
- Experience with reinforced rubber products, conveyor belting, or coated fabrics preferred
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally with manufacturing and supply chain teams