R&D Engineer

R&D Engineer

Imerys, the world's largest producer of white pigments derived from kaolin and calcium carbonate, has an opening for an R&D Engineer in its Marietta, GA Technical Center. This position will work with a team of technicians to provide and coordinate experimental, application, and new product development support to include sample preparation, operation of polymer processing equipment, and polymer, mineral and application testing. This position is responsible for developing, scheduling/prioritizing and ensuring projects are completed in an efficient, accurate, timely and safe manner. Provide technical support for customers and the Polymer Business, which includes various mineral and plastics applications.

Duties include, but are not limited to:
•Conduct experimental studies in support of customers and plants in the general area of applied polymer testing.
•Assist in operating polymer processing equipment, e.g., twin-screw extruder, injection molder, compression molder, etc.
•Assist in conducting polymer testing, e.g., tensile, flexural strength, impact, etc.
•Work within a team to carry out the support of Application Development, Technical Service, Customer Complaint and Plant Support.
•Schedule/prioritize daily, weekly, & monthly technical tasks with the technician team and on lab equipment time.
•Provide internal/external customer support by communicating project status, general updates and results to the appropriate group or individual.
•Analyze, interpret, and evaluate technical data and issue final reports to requesting party.
•Compile and maintain data, documents, and reports of all projects.
•Maintain lab notebooks and sample log notebooks.
•Responsible for safety, housekeeping and equipment, calibration, & maintenance.
•Order new equipment or replacement equipment or parts.
•Maintain or order raw materials, chemicals, and supplies for lab.
•Monitor costs of lab expenditures to maintain budget goals.
•Visit customers as necessary to provide technical support.
•Attend monthly staff meetings to review projects, brainstorm and discuss polymer-related issues.
•Present project reviews at New Product Development Meetings.
•Perform necessary application and analytical testing on various mineral and plastics application projects.
•Remain up to date on polymer applications and markets through necessary training and journals.
REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience Requirements:

Position requires an accredited Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field such as Polymer Science or Chemical Engineering with a minimum of 5 years ‘hands on’ experience in polymer applications. Direct experience with polymer processing equipment is highly desirable.


Skills/Attributes Requirements:

•Ability to apply academic concepts to industrial projects.
•Ability to evaluate, interpret, and analyze polymer/mineral data generated by projects and draw meaningful conclusions.
•Ability to run polymer process equipment.
•Ability to run polymer testing equipment.
•Ability to perform analytical testing on minerals and polymer compounds.
•Ability to multi-task projects and have strong problem solving skills.
•Ability to develop or design projects based on needs of business.
•Ability to make effective presentations of results.
•Skill in verbal communication with excellent listening/comprehension.
•Skill in the use of computers - spreadsheets, word documents, power point, technical databases, sample order database, customer databases, e-mail, & internet.
•Ability to schedule, prioritize and carry out projects based on needs of business.
•Excellent team skills – ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams and projects.
•Ability to effectively coordinate within a work group.