Research Engineer (Polymer Processing)

INGENIA POLYMERS is a rapidly growing international manufacturer operating in the Petrochemicals and Plastics Industries. We seek a Research Engineer to lead development of new products and processes in the areas of polyolefins and polyolefin additives.  

SUMMARY:    Ingenia’s Research and Development group in Houston, TX, USA is looking for an engineering graduate, with a strong background in polymer processing, rheology and polymer science.  The Research Engineer will identify, propose, gain approval, and carry out both short- and long-term projects for development of new products or processes applicable to Ingenia’s businesses.  Ingenia’s markets are in polyolefin flexible packaging, industrial films, agricultural films, pressure pipe, rotomoulding, additive manufacturing, structural and advanced materials.  This research position will be focused on the development of twin-screw compounding processes and reactive extrusion of polyolefins.  Development work in this position involves design of experiments, raw materials evaluations, process and equipment evaluations, formulation, rheological, analytical, and mechanical characterization of products, scale-up support from laboratory trials to production, plant support, and technical service in support of commercialization.   This is an exciting opportunity to learn, develop and contribute in a dynamic, technology-driven, entrepreneurial environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Responsible for development of new products and manufacturing processes, with the aim of commercialization, for Ingenia’s proprietary products group.  This includes development of polyolefin additive formulations, and related processing and analytical methods.  This involves:

o    Project definition in cooperation with Product Market Managers and R&D Manager

o    Literature and patent review

o    Supplier contacts and evaluation of new materials, processes and equipment

o    Design of experiments, formulation and evaluation of new products in Ingenia’s applications lab

o    Equipment specification, installation and troubleshooting  

o    Project management of multiple development and service projects

o    Coordinating with other team members including marketing, sales, production, and support personnel to achieve project objectives

o    Plant scale-up support

•    Learn and practice Safety and ISO Quality procedures  

•    Evaluate and make recommendations on raw material selection

•    Study principles, methods, and approaches to bring innovative solutions to the product and process development effort

•    Develop technical solutions through hands-on experimentation

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Masters or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Polymers Science & Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.  

•    Deep knowledge of twin-screw extrusion compounding, and downstream conversion processes.

•    Knowledge of powder compaction and powder handling processes.  

•    Knowledge of rheology, polymer processing, structure-property relations, compatibilization, reactive extrusion, grafting, interfacial science, polymer composites and polymer blends.

•    Project and time management – ability to manage long term projects with minimal supervision. 

•    Ability to work cooperatively as part of a cross-functional team with peers, managers and technicians.

•    Process, analytical and mechanical skills to execute laboratory work, understand plant issues, and generate process solutions for scale-up.

•    Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.  Ability to communicate professionally, both internally and to customers and suppliers.  

•    Proficient in data analysis, DOE and statistical methods.

•    Self-driven and results oriented

•    0-5 years industrial polymer research or engineering experience preferred.  New graduates welcome.

To learn more and also apply,  please visit www.ingeniapolymers.com/about-us/careers/