Location: Wallingford, CT (Relocation is provided if you are not a local candidate)
WHO WE ARE We are a leading supplier of methacrylate chemistry. As a global company with around 2,900 employees, we are represented on four continents. We serve a global market with our MERACRYL® methacrylates and PMMA molding compounds under the PLEXIGLAS® brand (in the Americas registered under the trademark ACRYLITE®), which we manufacture in our worldwide production network. Our products supply growth markets including the automotive, construction, and medical technology industries.
Röhm is committed to operating with social responsibility, and sustainability forms an integral part of our business strategy. We view our employees as our strength, and we value diversity and inclusion. If you thrive in an environment where individual contributions are both visible and recognized, Röhm may be right for you.
WHAT THE ROLE DELIVERS The R&D Lab Manager plays a critical role in continued growth of Molding Compounds (MC) business in Region Americas (RAM) and the eventual global expansion. They support the global growth strategy of MC Medical market segment and the regional strategy of Automotives and Lighting-Extrusions-Optics-Distribution (LEOD) market segments.
The R&D Lab Manager provides expertise in thermoplastics processing (compounding & injection molding) and characterization for R&D activities based out of the Innovation Center at Wallingford, CT. They are the goto expert for thermoplastics compounding with single- and twin-screw extruders, material injection molding process development and optimization, and material characterization.
The R&D Lab Manager ensures that all projects and tasks in the workshop and testing lab are executed in a scientific, effective and timely manner to support new product innovation and application development, existing business needs, and ultimately the growth of Molding Compounds business in RAM.
WHAT YOU WILL DO Support material process development and optimization and product application development for new acrylic compounds. You are the expert.
Supervise, coach, and develop workshop and testing lab chemists and technicians on process and method development and equipment operation/maintenance.
Manage, prioritize, and direct workshop and lab activities to support innovation projects, new business development, and customers' needs.
Manage material inventory and equipment procurement, calibration & maintenance
Take EHSQ responsibilities for workshop and lab and serve as a critical member in Innovation Center EHSQ committee.
Own workshop and lab record and documentation related to operation, safety, and trainings and ensure operation in compliance with company policy, certifications and standards.
Keep up to date on the latest innovations in thermoplastics processing and characterization. Make recommendations regarding the capability of our equipment. Recommend new equipment/accessories as needed, with supporting technical evidence.
Assist technical support on existing products and scale-up/launch of new products
Work closely with Technical groups in Europe and Asia to align on best practices and knowledge transfer.
Up to 15% travel domestic or international is required.
WHAT WE ARE SEEKING Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer/Material science or Chemical Engineering, PhD preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of hands-on process development experience in thermoplastics compounding using single- and twin-screw extruders.
Direct experience in acrylic polymers, e.g. PMMA, PMMI, is preferred.
Direct experience in injection molding, compression molding, sheet extrusion of thermoplastics is required.
Experience in polymer characterization – particularly rheology and mechanical properties.
Experience in ISO9001, IATF16949, and ISO17025 is a plus.
Willingness to work with machinery (this is a hands-on position) to guide upgrade, trouble shooting, maintenance, and calibration.
Statistical knowledge or Design of Experiments (DOE) experience.
Experience in managing and coaching a team is required.
Ability to work productively in a cross-regional and cross-functional team environment.
Good communication skills. Good written and oral presentation skills to both internal and external audiences.
Good software skills with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. SAP experience a plus.
Strong Quality and safety mindset.
WHAT WE OFFER Competitive compensation and a benefits package that you'd expect from a global company: competitively priced medical, dental and vision; 401k with company match; separate company funded retirement account equal to 6% of your pay; life and disability insurance; a strong paid time off plan; and a range of elective insurances at group rates to cover some of life's curve-balls.... and much more. You can find an overview of our benefits on our careers page.