PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

Vybond is a global market leader in pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, delivering innovative solutions to a variety of industrial and specialty markets. Headquartered in Franklin, KY, with facilities in Riverhead, NY, and Bristol, RI, Vybond Group, Inc. manufactures specialty foil, film, and duct tapes and adhesives. With over 1,500 specialty SKUs spanning 500 product families, Vybond serves 1,500 customers across the HVAC, building and construction, industrial, retail, medical, aerospace, automotive, and other specialty industries. 

Job Summary:
To foster an environment of learning and application.  Our commitment is to provide you with a real-life, meaningful experience where you will manage projects from start to finish.
 

Key Responsibilities:
1.    Follow established Design Control procedures for the development of new products and product variances. 
2.    Design experiments, execute trials, develop and interpret data and perform application testing developing new products to meet customer and market demands.
3.    Run trials on the pilot and production lines using solvent, emulsion, hot melt, and rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesives and coatings.
4.    Implement product development projects consistent with corporate objectives; assure that project objectives are met and completed on schedule. 
5.    Source, analyze and utilize new raw materials for product innovation and cost reductions.
6.    Identify equipment and processing issues that affect processing, quality, and performance while working with cross-functional teams on problem resolution and implementation. 
7.    Preparation of finished good tape samples, operation, and understanding of various test equipment/methods, including application testing and data analysis for evaluation and presentation of new tape designs.
8.    Implement technical documentation packages, including raw material specifications, product specifications, stability, and general technical data to support the introduction of new products.
9.    Knowledge of ASTM standards and PSTC methods to support product testing when required.
10.    Perform additional duties as assigned by the Product Development Manager.
 

Other Responsibilities: 
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed.
 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:  
1.    BS Degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry or related experience
2.    Three plus years of experience in pressure sensitive adhesive tape, adhesive or release liner design, and manufacturing
3.    Competence in the basic understanding of process control equipment and the interrelations of processing conditions versus final product performance
4.    Competence in FTIR, DSC, peel adhesion, tack and shear testing, and other analytical techniques
5.    Entrepreneurial and continuous innovation mindset

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
1.    General knowledge of chemistry, chemical compatibilities, safety protocols & experience working in a laboratory or pilot setting
2.    Project Management experience required (PMP is a plus)
3.    Knowledge in statistical methods and programs (SPC/DOE/MiniTab)
4.    Proficiency with MS office to record and report data in a professional manner
5.    Ability to travel as needed (limited)
6.    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
7.    Ability to prioritize, multi-task, be a proactive thinker, and results-oriented team player
8.    Strong organizational skills with proven ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously
9.    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required for data-driven project management

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF JOB:  

1.    Engineer must be able to respond to trial requests. 
2.    Engineer must be able to manage technicians in setting up and running product/machine trials.  
3.    Engineer must be able to document product trials. 
4.    Engineer must be able to manage product change and product development.
5.    Engineer must be able to communicate with various areas of plant.  

Standing:  (Frequent) Engineer must be able to stand to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as designing/improving processes and equipment, managing product/machine trials, training employees and managing product change/development. 

Walking:  (Frequent) Engineer must be able to walk to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as designing/improving processes and equipment, managing product/machine trials, training employees and managing product change/development. |

Sitting:  (Frequent) Engineer must be able to sit to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as performing work at desk. 

Lifting:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to lift materials weighing up to 50 pounds from floor to waist height of 36 inches to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as lifting various parts and boxes of product. 
 
Carrying:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to complete side and/or front carries with materials weighing up to 25 pounds for distances of up to 200 feet to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as bring various parts and product to and from work area. 

Pushing/Pulling:   (Occasional) Engineer must be able to generate push and pull forces of 50 pounds to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as pushing carts and assisting staff in various work areas. 

Forward Bending:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to attain/maintain a forward flexed position of up to 60 degrees to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as diagnosing machine malfunctions and managing product/machine trials.  

Trunk Rotation: (Occasional) Engineer must be able to rotate their trunk/torso left-right to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as managing product/machine trials.   

Reaching:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to forward and overhead reach to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as diagnosing machines.   

Manipulating/Handling/Gripping:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to complete gripping, pinching and manipulation of various parts and pieces of equipment utilized for the performance of essential job functions to such as diagnosing machines and managing machine installs.  A grip force of 50 pounds is necessary for the completion of tasks.

Climbing:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to ascend/descend steps, ladders and /or equipment varying from 7–22 inches in step heights to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as accessing work areas and machines. 

Kneeling:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to kneel to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as inspecting machines. 

Crouching:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to crouch to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as inspecting machines.  

Crawling: (Never) 

Squatting:  (Occasional) Engineer must be able to squat to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as inspecting machines.  

Postural Balancing:  (Frequent) Engineer must be able to maintain both static and dynamic standing balance while ascending/descending equipment, stairs and/or ladders to complete various duties associated with essential job functions such as designing/improving processes and equipment, managing product/machine trials, training employees and managing product change/development. 

WORK  LEVEL:

Medium Work (Level 3) as defined by the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

SIGNIFICANT WORKSITE MEASUREMENTS:

Tools:        weighing up to 1 pound.
Materials:    weighing up to 50 pounds.
Steps/Ladders:      up to 7-22-inch step/rung heights.

TOOLS/EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM JOB:
Hand tools, computer, phone