DUTIES/RESPONSIBIOLITIES
•Develop new tire compounds to meet the optimal performance required for customer approvals.
•Maintain and enhance performance of existing tire compounds to meet customer expectations.
•Design laboratory studies to evaluate new compound technologies.
•Seek out new materials technologies.
•Perform forensic analysis on both new and tested products.
•Work closely with development engineers on all OEM and Replacement projects concerning compound selections and performance expectations.
•Travel to plants to assist in new compound development and processing studies as required.
•Communicate directly with other company R&D centers as required.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
•The ability to work with cross-functional and international teams is a must.
•Knowledge of plant-related activities concerning compound mixing, extrusion, calendaring, tire building and curing processes is a must.
•The ability to work directly with plant compound specialists, production teams and process engineers is a must.
•Experience and knowledge concerning polymers, fillers, and reinforcements is a must.
•A strong understanding of sustainability efforts in the tire industry is required
•Domestic and international travel is required. A current passport is required.
•Lean, Quality and On Time Delivery approach Skills and experience are required.
•Self-managed, dynamic, and willing to make the extra effort to push for success is required.
•Knowledge of regulatory issues concerning materials and tires is strongly desirable.
•Proficiency in the statistical design of experiments is preferred.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
•BS, MS, or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
•Knowledge of tire design and/or standards are required.
•Knowledge of OE product development is required.
•Exposure to OE plant development and having a broad base of knowledge in compounding science.
•5-15 years’ experience in OEM compound development.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
•No direct supervisory responsibilities
