R&D Chemist - Grapevine, United States - AB Specialty Silicones

Description

Job Description

Job Title: Research and Development Chemist

Department: Research and Development

Reports To: Director of Research and Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date: March 18, 2022

Summary

The position of Research and Development Chemist encompasses a wide range of technical roles and responsibilities including Product and Process Development, Analysis and Physical Property Characterization, Technical Literature Analysis and Documentation and finally, Technical Service and Networking. In order to successfully engage with these roles and responsibilities the job incumbent must have at least a Bachelor's or higher degree in Chemistry, 3 or more years relevant experience and a range of Competencies including language, math and reasoning ability and complementary personal and social skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Safety
   1. Comply with all company occupational health, safety and environmental legal requirements.
   2. Report all unsafe conditions, work related injury or illness to a member of leadership.
   3. Use personal protective equipment as assigned.
   4. Safely handle hazardous chemicals and waste according to company and legal requirements as assigned.
   5. Make recommendation for changes/improvements to ISO 9001 and 45001 integrated management systems.
2. Product Development - Conducts new product development from bench scale to first run plant capability which could include synthetic products, formulated products and customer-specific starting point formulae using methodology that meet the following criteria:

a. Customer specifications

b. Compliance with both internal and external standards of environmental product and health impacts and technology sustainability

c. Compliance with the scientific method of inquiry

d. Rigorous application of statistical and experimental design protocols

1. Process Development - aids Research and Development Engineers in the development of new chemical processes. These processes are developed while meeting the following criteria:

a. Cost-effectiveness

b. Scalability

c. Safe handling of chemicals and equipment

d. Maximum product yield

e. Minimal waste production

1. Analysis and Testing
   1. Chemical analysis - conducts routine qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses for:

i. Molecular structure/composition determination

ii. Competitive product analysis

iii. Internal product quality assessment

1. Physical property characterization - Conducts routine physical property characterizations (e.g. tensile strength, elongation, surface tension, particle size, contact angle etc.) on materials in order to:

i. Assess correlation of molecular structure/composition to physical properties

ii. Analyze competitive products

iii. Assess internal product quality

iv. Control internal chemical processes

1. Modified and new analytical and physical property characterization methodology development - When standard methods of chemical analysis and/or physical property characterization are lacking, the job incumbent develops and employs modified or new methods of analysis and characterization
2. Technical Literature Analysis and Documentation

a. Routinely conducts relevant technical literature and patent surveys

b. Assists with the creation of formulas, procedures and catalogue numbers for commercial products following ISO 9001 procedures.

c. Documents technical work in a rigorous manner

6. Technical Service and Networking

a. Provides technical assistance to the Sales team by investigating and assisting with or solving customer complaints, addressing customer technical inquires and educating Sales team on new products.

b. Works in conjunction with the Marketing Department to develop sales and safety literature including Technical Data Sheets, Material Safety Data Sheets and Product Overviews as needed.

c. Works with external toll manufacturers and raw material suppliers as needed.

d. Presents technical reports and summaries in a wide range of internal and external forums

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.

Education/Experience:

BS in Chemistry or equivalent; 3 or more years laboratory experience in the product development area, or other closely related areas.

Language Ability:

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 write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual working knowledge of Microsoft Office, email and internet proficiency required. Must demonstrate the ability to master other software programs including database and inventory software.

Certificates and Licenses:

This job does not require certifications and/or licenses.

Competencies

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

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows 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.

Team Work - 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; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

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.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job does not have supervisory responsibilities but a technician maybe assigned as needed.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to manufacturing plant conditions.

The employee is infrequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Employees may be exposed to heat, cold, and elevated noise.

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

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.

Standing 6-8 hours/day and may need to lift up to 60 lbs.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbent will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required of the supervisor.