Job Description:

SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Senior Chemical Engineer to lead and innovate in the development, production, and optimization of rubber formulations and manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise in chemical engineering principles, material science, and process development, combined with experience in the rubber or elastomer industry. This role will involve collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of high-performance rubber solutions while maintaining operational excellence and sustainable practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

· Compound Improvement: Spearhead efforts to enhance rubber compound formulations, investigating new materials and additives to improve product performance, process performance, and cost-effectiveness.

· Troubleshooting Compound Issues: Investigate, diagnose, and resolve problems related to rubber compounds within the manufacturing process, collaborating with the team to implement effective solutions and prevent recurrence.

· Process Development and Optimization: Lead the development and optimization of rubber manufacturing processes, including compounding, mixing, molding, and finishing, ensuring adherence to quality standards and efficiency targets.

· Technology and Innovation: Participate with innovation in the development of new technologies, processes, and materials to maintain competitive advantages and respond to market trends.

· Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance protocols to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

· Technical Leadership: Provide mentorship and guidance to engineers and technicians, supporting their professional development and fostering collaborative innovation.

· Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, production, and quality control to drive product development, troubleshoot issues, and optimize processes.

· Budget and Resource Management: Manage budgets and resources effectively, identifying cost-saving opportunities and optimizing resource allocation to achieve operational excellence.

Sustainability & Compliance: Drive initiatives to incorporate sustainable raw materials, reduce emissions, and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards and industry regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong expertise in rubber compounding, molding, curing, and finishing processes.
• Proven track record in process optimization, technology implementation, and quality assurance.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead and motivate teams effectively.
• Deep understanding of industry regulations, safety standards, and quality control processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with advanced rubber processing technologies such as mixing, milling, extrusion, molding, or curing methods.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Total Quality Management (TQM)

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering or related field
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in chemical engineering, specifically within the rubber, elastomer, or related materials industries. Proven track record in product/process development or technical leadership roles.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to write and scale formulas, analyze data, use predictive modeling and set tolerances using mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

· Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data, uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.

· Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Uses root cause analysis to minimize the risk of problems reoccurring.

· Customer Service – Manages customer requirements, responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; by meeting commitments.

· Oral and Written Communication – Speaks and writes clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responses well to questions, demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings.

· Teamwork – balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others; views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

· Delegation – Delegates work assignments; matches the responsibility to the person; gives authority to work independently; sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; provides recognition for results.

· Quality Management – looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

· Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.

· Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

· Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decision; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.

· Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

· Quantity – Meets productivity standards; completes work in a timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formula, scientific equations, and graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of

· Microsoft Office Suite

· Simulation and modeling software for process optimization and predictive analysis

· Data analytic and statistical software to interpret manufacturing data and make informed decisions.

· Competence in using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Vibram is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Vibram offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment and an electric atmosphere for professional development.

Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

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