What are the responsibilities and job description for the Applications & Technology Engineer position at Primex Plastics Corp?
Primex Plastics Corporation
Applications & Technology Engineer – position located in Richmond, IN
Primex Plastics Corporation is one of the largest custom extruded plastic sheet producers in the country, with eight manufacturing facilities from coast to coast. We are committed to quality, sustainability and innovation, and strive every day to help our customers reach their goals.
Our John J. Farber Technology & Innovation Center is seeking a high-potential engineering graduate to join our team as an Applications & Technology Engineer.
This position is part of our long-term technical succession planning strategy. You will work directly alongside senior technical leaders with over 30 years of experience in plastics technical service, extrusion, thermoforming, and customer development. This position is based on-site and requires occasional travel (approximately 10–15%).
This role blends engineering, hands-on processing, customer interaction, and innovation. It is ideal for someone who wants to build a long-term career in advanced plastics technology and grow into future technical leadership. Our goal is to mentor the next generation of technical leadership from within.
Responsibilities:
Engineering & Innovation
- Plan and execute extrusion, thermoforming, and testing programs
- Analyze material properties and evaluate formulation performance
- Conduct defect analysis and root cause investigations
- Assist in multi-layer sheet structure evaluation and performance optimization
- Support development of new materials and product enhancements
- Prepare professional technical reports and presentations
Processing & Operations
- Operate lab-scale extrusion and thermoforming equipment
- Collect and interpret data from testing and in-plant trials
- Support equipment calibration and maintenance
- Assist in raw material selection and trial preparation
Customer & Market Engagement
- Support customer technical inquiries and development requests
- Adapt to various roles — operations-focused, sales support, or technical troubleshooting
- Participate in customer visits and in-plant trials (travel required)
- Communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, plastics engineering, polymer science, materials science, or related field required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Curiosity and excitement about materials and manufacturing
- Ability to adapt to operational, commercial, and technical environments
- Willingness to travel for customer support and trials; approximately 10-15%
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- High level of initiative and accountability
- Interest in building a long-term career within a specialized industry
- 1-3 years of related experience preferred but not required
Primex offers a competitive compensation package that includes a base salary as well as quarterly and annual bonus opportunities. We provide a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, well-being, and future of our employees and their families. Highlights include:
- Choice of four medical plan options with prescription coverage
- Dental and vision insurance
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Paid vacation, personal time, and 11 company-paid holidays
- Company-paid life insurance with supplemental coverage available for employees and dependents
- Company-paid short- and long-term disability programs
- Educational assistance plan and a dependent scholarship program
- Employee assistance program
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 4% company match
- …and more!