Application Development Engineer (Polymers)

Overview

Trinseo is a different kind of global materials company – at the intersection of people, technology, and customers. We are a world leader in the production of plastics and latex binders. Our culture is built on passion and innovation.  

A career at Trinseo presents a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment. Helping customers solve their most complex material challenges is the reason we come to work each day. We are seeking innovative thinkers – ready to tackle any challenge and passionate about delivering value.  

As a global materials solutions provider focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers, we need people to feel respected and included so they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We strive to create workplaces that reflect all communities and customers we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. That's why we're fully committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience to drive us forward every day. 

Overview (Scope of Role)

Based at the Global Innovation Center in Exton, PA, the Application Development Engineer supports key development projects in two business areas within Engineered Materials: 1) the Rigid Compounds product line of PC, PC/ABS, and ABS Compounds, and 2) the PMMA Resins product line of acrylic resins. Primary focus is supporting application and product development activities in building and construction (B&C) and electrical and enclosures (E&E) markets. 

Responsibilities

Application and Product Development

• Develop new testing capability or equipment capability as needed to support new product and application development for both businesses
• Conduct trials, develop process parameters, complete characterization, data analysis and prepare reports/presentations to support new developments for key projects, or programs.
• Able to interpret data and articulate results within work group as well as draw conclusions to help steer experimental planning.
• Coordinate with analytical sciences team to complete testing and summarize results.
• Generates and documents results to support product registration, technical literature, research direction, and patent applications.
• Stays up to date on developments in key markets of interest (E&E and B&C), relevant processes, equipment, software, product design.
• Maintain close partnership with internal (commercial and new business development teams) and external stakeholders to accelerate new product/application development efforts
• Represent Trinseo in strategic customer meeting (including global accounts, key validation partners), conferences, tradeshows, and industry trade organizations.

Process Expertise

• Develop new processing parameters for injection molding/extrusion and testing methods to support new product/application developments in E&E and B&C markets.
• Actively participates in Trinseo’s safety programs and leads relevant safety initiatives as required.

Technical Service 

• Provide technical support to NA customers by responding to customer inquiries on products and literature in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide technical support at customer trials, which include setting up equipment, conducting trials, and troubleshooting polymer processing issues.
• Assist in customer training on Trinseo products, technologies, and market communication efforts.

Portfolio & Program Leadership 

• Lead multiple concurrent R&D projects/programs from ideation through commercialization using stage gate methodologies.
• Own integrated plans (scope, milestones, resources, budget, risks, IP) and drive execution, decision-making, and delivery through cross-functional global teams
• Run portfolio governance and stage gate reviews; surface risks/issues early and drive timely decisions.
• Provide concise updates on portfolio health, milestones, and decisions needed; influence outcomes with data-based recommendations
• Translate strategy, market trends, and customer needs into a prioritized technology roadmap and business cases.
• Align stakeholders on problem statements, success metrics, timelines, and trade-offs; manage expectations and communications across functions and regions 

Qualifications

Minimum Education Required

• Bachelor’s Degree with Master’s Degree as a plus

Minimum Experience

• 5-10 of industrial experience on new product/application development

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in polymer processing (especially injection molding and extrusion), and experience is leading product/application development efforts required.
• Experience with acrylic/PMMA and/or PC, PC/ABS, ABS materials strongly preferred; experience in the markets of interest (E&E and B&C) preferred
• Experience and/or training in polymer characterization, testing, and melt processing.
• Proficiency with PC software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, experimental design software).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal and presentation)

Equity and InclusionWith our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives, experiences and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day. Race, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, age, personal style, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, work and life experiences and many more factors contribute to this diversity.  We welcome all applicants, regardless of their backgrounds, and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.

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