Materials Research Chemist Engineer

Titan International is a global leader in specialty tires and wheels, serving industries such as agriculture, construction, outdoor power equipment, powersports, and trailers. We deliver high-quality products that help keep equipment operating and businesses moving. With a strong global footprint and a customer-first mindset, we’re focused on growth, innovation, and building a team that drives our continued success. 

We’re seeking a Materials Research Chemist Engineer to join our team. This role is responsible for advancing tire product performance through development and optimization of rubber formulations, materials, and manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in rubber chemistry and tire materials, along with leadership capabilities to guide a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians. This role plays a critical part in driving product innovation, cost efficiency, and performance improvements across the organization. 

What you will be doing:  

• Develop new rubber formulations and refine existing mixes 

• Maintain and update formulations and manufacturing specifications 

• Determine appropriate testing methods and evaluate material properties 

• Analyze and optimize tire performance characteristics 

• Utilize advanced testing tools such as FTIR, RPA, DMA, and MDR 

• Write and maintain manufacturing specifications for compounds, materials, and mixing processes 

• Provide technical support to manufacturing, quality, and project teams 

• Evaluate and resolve process and product performance issues 

• Interface with plant operations, maintenance, and engineering teams 

• Validate new raw materials and suppliers 

• Provide technical oversight for all materials used in tire manufacturing 

• Ensure compliance with REACH and other regulatory and customer requirements 

• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce material costs and waste 

• Drive process improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies 

• Support new product introduction and process development initiatives 

• Lead and develop a team of chemists, engineers, and technicians 

• Manage projects from concept through implementation 

• Collaborate cross-functionally and influence without direct authority when needed 

• Align team efforts with corporate goals and performance objectives 

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in rubber technology, tire materials, or formulation development.
• Leadership or team management experience required.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of rubber formulation, testing, and tire manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with FTIR, RPA, DMA, MDR, and Microsoft Office; Minitab preferred.
• Experience managing budgets, staffing, and project performance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Results-driven, detail-oriented professional with the ability to lead projects to completion.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% and support evolving business needs.

Salary : $115,000 - $125,000