Lead Engineer

Description Company overview We are a fast-growing polymer and advanced materials enhancement services company with two locations in Moorestown, NJ and Disputanta, VA. We are focused on building an efficient business with strong operations and assets that are poised to scale and grow. We are intently focused on building a culture around continuous improvement and providing unmatched levels of quality to our customers. Position Summary We are looking for a highly talented and motivated engineer that is excited to join the team and play a significant role in leading the efforts to achieve our growth goals. The Lead Engineer for Material Enhancement role is responsible for managing R&D and the engineering processes for our commercialized projects at our Disputanta, VA location. The Lead Engineer will be responsible for determining operation parameters and developing processes to produce consistent products that are within the technical and quality specifications for new customers and product projects. This role is responsible for interfacing with sales, the customer and operations to manage all new SBU projects through the Stage Gate process through commercialization. This is a leadership role within the team and the individual will be a key stakeholder in driving the sale through the technical qualification. In addition, as a lean organization, all leaders at our plant have the opportunity to support multiple areas of the business. We operate in a team-based environment, and all leaders pitch in to occasionally support areas outside of their department. Individuals successful in this role will be motivated by the opportunity to truly shape R&D and the broader company capabilities, with full authority to do whatever it takes to build best in class quality and operations for our customers. Responsibilities may include: Collaborate with our new and existing customer engineering teams to establish material specification and project parameters and to develop scalable procedures for any new material enhancement projects for solid state polymerization, crystallizing, blending, drying and devolatilization services. Convert R&D procedures into processes suitable for operation and production equipment Supervise, troubleshoot, and validate developmental processes Optimize processes using design of experiments and other statistical data analysis techniques Manage developmental projects using a stage-gate system Document material specifications for raw materials and products, trial batch requests, and trial batch reports Transfer processing data learned to costing document to be used by sales for quoting new projects. Coordinate with customers and extended cross-function extended teams to facilitate successful trial process Serve as a technical contact for customers and vendors Ensure we deliver best in class quality for our customers Supports sales team during the conversion of new products from trial stage to full scale commercialization Contribute to team meetings to support the customer and business needs Continuous Improvement Serves as a key leader of the organization, seeking and driving opportunities to improve our operations and quality Seek ways to constantly improve our Engineering processes and controls Identify any new equipment (commercial, quality or pilot) that would improve process, yield or sales cycle. Competencies Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Initiative – Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed. Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. Problem Solving – Develops alternative solutions. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Identifies problems in a timely manner. Resolves problems in early stages. Works well in group problem solving situations. Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals must also have flexibility to be able to cover all shifts if an operator is out. Education/Experience 3+ years’ experience in an engineering role in the polymer industry Graduate Degree in Engineering preferred, but minimal Bachelors Degree Process engineering experience preferred Language Ability Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of customers or employees. Mathematical Ability Work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability Apply logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Deal with nonverbal symbolism (e.g., formulas and equations) in difficult phases. Deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. Computer Skills Ability to independently use computer for basic word processing, spreadsheets, email and other functions. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of a manufacturing job. This role requires ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes) at all times in the production area. Individuals must be able to work in non-climate-controlled settings. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees must always wear hard hats and safety shoes. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This role requires standing for extended periods of time, ability to lift 50 lbs., identify colors and work in open air & outdoor areas. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Availability This position is required to work physically in our Disputanta, Virginia facility and must be willing to travel up to 20% of their time to support customers and sales. The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rice Industries