SUMMARY
Plan and execute projects to evaluate raw materials, formulations, components, and finished products.
These responsibilities include justifying project initiation, testing, preparing technical reports, submitting
les to outside agencies for certification, and preparing proposals for approval of suitable
me:llerials/products. Prepare company product specifications, purchase specifications, and packaging
specifications. Provide internal technical support to production facilities and to the Headquarters staff
through literature review and through testing of samples. Coordinate with Headquarters Quality Assurance
for new material/new product qualifications. Improve processing and equipment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Prepare outlines and time lines for research and development projects.
- Prepare monthly status reports on active projects.
- Manage multi-stage projects so that the overall project finishes in a timely manner.
- Prepare pound-volume cost comparisons of plastic formulations.
- Prepare PVC compounds using a laboratory mixer.
- Evaluate plastic compounds using a torque rheometer.
- Plan, request, monitor, and evaluate short-term extrusion trials and injection molding trials.
- Prepare test specimens from trial samples using powered cutting devices such as saws and
routers.
- Measure specimen dimensions using precisi;'n micrometers, calipers, circumferential wrap tapes,
and scales.
- Check specimen mass using precision elect1 1ic scales.
- Per J-M and various outside agency standard test methods, test specimens for conformance to
:inured or desired properties. Test the specimens with various types of test apparatus: falling
.heights (ASTM 02444), universal test machines (ASTM 02412), chemical reagents, and solvents
(ASTM 02152 and others).
- Record, evaluate, and report extrusion trial results.
- Coordinate with scheduling, Production, and HQ QA to set up and monitor long-term trials.
- Compile additive information from vendors for inclusion in purchase specifications. prepare and route for approval drafts of new/revised purchase specifications. Distribute spec upon approval.
- Review applicable product specification(s) requirernents and combine them into the company
internal product specifications. Route company specs for approval and distribute upon approval.
- From PVC compounds, prepare sheets using specified processing conditions and a 2-roll mill.
- From milled sheets prepare plates using specified molding conditions, molds, and a hot press.
- From molded plates machine various test specimens by using power cutting devices (saws,
router) and jigs.
- Test specimens using appropriate test apparatus such as Izod impact (ASTM D256), deflection
under heat and load (ASTM D648), and tensile test systems (ASTM D638).
- Upon request, perform testing in the presence of representatives of customers or outside agencies.
- Evaluate push-on pipe joint designs.
- Evaluate mold approval samples of gaskets for push-on joints.
- As requested, conduct joint qualification tests of push-on pipe joints (ASTM 03139, UL 1285, or ASTM 03212).
- As requested, conduct studies/trials and prepare new/revised packaging specifications for end
products.
- Upon request by HQ Production, conduct field investigations of customer complaints.
- As directed, conduct evaluations of customer complaint samples and submit technical reports of
the results. view formulation change requests for relative costs, for compliance with outside agency
acquirements, and for comparison with J-M standard formulations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
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.S.) or equivalent in chemical Engineering, material science, or chemistry from four-year
college school or technical school; or a degree and one year related experience and/or training; or
equivalent combination of education and experience.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Possess intermediate knowledge of drafting software, MS Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Internet/Intranet experience HRIS system preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
·,•··~,to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the
111" . sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative
techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on
controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced
s,_ . .otical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations,
and proofs of theorems.
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.
Ability to review technical requirements from multiple sources and synthesize them into one set of company
requirements: reports, specifications, procedures, etc.
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 to talk or to hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is frequently required
to stand and to walk. The employee is sometimes required to squat, kneel, or climb. The employee must
regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific
vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
WORKK 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.
The Research and Development work is divided among three primary work environments.
The noise level in the office work environment (about 30% of time) is usually quiet, and the
temperature is controlled.
The noise level in the laboratory work environment (about 40% of time) is moderately noisy to very
noisy and sometimes requires hearing protection and/or eye protection; the lab temperature is usually
controlled. Other PPE such as gloves, aprons, or rubber boots may sometimes be required.
The noise level in the production facility work environment (about 30% of time) is usually high and
requires hearing protection, and it usually requires eye protection. The production work environment is
subject to extremes of heat and cold depending upon the season, and may include direct exposure to
the weather (outdoor environment).
