Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

? Develops compounds with various types of polymers, natural and synthetic; specify and approve raw material use for compounds.

? Interfaces with manufacturing and engineering staff to optimize production output and adherence to technical performance of mixed products.

? Develops, improves or customizes rubber formulas & processes in conjunction with customer product requirements & provides technical support to existing customers.

? Works directly with suppliers/vendors and internal purchasing department on raw materials availability, and to determine appropriate use for formulas & compounds.

? Communicates with customers and internal management regarding the status of development work, raw materials issues and production problems. ? Interfaces with external customers to identify rubber materials needed to fit their specific applications. Utilizes technical resources within the customer base to determine economical and high performance rubber compounds.

? Writes technical reports or prepares standards and specifications for processes, products, tests, etc. Conducts quality control tests. Compiles & analyzes test information to determine process & operating efficiency.

? Induces changes in composition of compounds & chemicals. Prepares test solutions or compounds for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.

? Management and guidance of lab and lab technicians

Supervisory Responsibilities

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

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 and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field; 8-12 years or more experience developing elastomer compounds.

? Advanced rubber compounding experience using natural and synthetic rubbers

? Ability to identify and validate raw materials (both new and current) in rubber formulations for improvement in customer specifications, cost, or both

? Ability to prepare test methods and inspection frequencies for incoming raw materials against existing COA. Ability to expand/contract inspections where necessary

? Working knowledge and familiarity of rubber product ASTM specifications

? Working knowledge and familiarity of ASTM testing methodologies

? Working knowledge and ability to compound rubber in a small-scale lab

? Working knowledge and ability to validate compounds through quantitative methods such as rheology, colorimetry, etc.

? Ability to interpret and effectively communicate such test analysis throughout all level of the organization

? Working knowledge and ability to work independently or with a team to scale-up lab mixes through the production line

? Working knowledge and familiarity with the compound, process, and forming of elastomeric goods such as mixing, extrusion, batch and continuous sheeting, forming, and press operations

? Generate and maintain calibration schedule and records for critical equipment

? Ability to support Management-of-Change processes, revision control, and governance of product formulations

? Maintain a small-scale lab

? Supervise, train, and guide lab technicians

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 (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, 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; Statistical Software (i.e. JMP, R2, Minitab, etc.); and SAP experience preferred. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance. ? LEAN/5S & 6-Sigma Certification a plus

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit and operate a computer for extended period of time. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, in some cases extreme heat in certain areas of the manufacturing facility. Machinery operation requires the use of safety equipment to include, but not limited to: eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, etc. The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate to loud depending on the area of the manufacturing facility.

? May require lifting (up to 25 lbs.), bending, climbing, walking.

? Exposure to potentially hazardous chemical solution