Chemist, Polymer I

Job Summary

The Polymer Chemist I will be responsible for conducting polymer testing, analysis, and providing accurate and concise reports in support of new product development, cost out efforts, compliance, manufacturing process support, and commercial business support. The Polymer Chemist I will also be responsible for conducting laboratory activities as outlined in the laboratory’s quality management system (QMS).  These responsibilities include conducting testing to industry standards such as UL, CSA, ASTM, SAE, and ISO, as well as analyzing results, communicating nonconformities to laboratory management, and providing accurate and concise reports in support of new product development, cost out efforts, compliance, manufacturing process support, and commercial business support.  The Bremen Indiana laboratory helps supports quality, customer service, and engineering functions throughout the organization with a focus on Bremen (drawing & insulating), Lafayette, El Paso facilities.  The laboratory also routinely supports the Research and Development Cofer Technology Center located in Carrollton, GA.

Key Responsibilities

•    Must be a creative problem solver, with the adaptability to develop novel, but practical testing solutions.
•    Assist with maintaining and updating the laboratory ISO/IEC 17025 quality management system (QMS) documentation, through audit review and corrective action reports.  
•    Assist with managing laboratory Calibration maintenance and PM programs.
•    Candidate must be able to read and interpret technical standards, prepare samples, and perform tests according to the prescribed standards.
•    Candidate must be physically able to function in a hands-on, detail-oriented, time-constrained laboratory environment, with 80% of the time spent on testing to industry standards, including physical testing of polymers, electrical, and mechanical testing of wire and cable products.
•    Manage multiple projects with differing priorities, with minimal supervision, functioning in support of a market-driven environment. 
•    Responsible for inspecting and maintaining testing equipment to ensure testing integrity through routine quality checks, record review, and calibration
•    Conduct UL DAP certification testing and review data packets and help maintain UL DAP certification for Bremen laboratory.
•    Responsible for accurately, clearly, and impartially analyzing and reporting test results in accordance with established laboratory procedures. Responsible for writing technical customer focused formal reports.
•    Responsible for maintaining a safe and clean work area through 5S principles. 

Required Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level:  Bachelor's
Specialized Degree:    Science/Engineering related
Years of Experience:    1-3
Field of Expertise:    Wire and Cable/Lab

Preferred Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Bachelor's 
Specialized Degree: Any applied science or engineering degree 
Years of Experience:    5+
Preferred Field of Expertise: Wire and Cable or Applicable Industry
Other Preferred Skills, Licenses, & Certificates:    

•    Experience with UL/CSA and automotive industry standards.
•    Experience with Wire and Cable Manufacturing processes.
•    Experience with complex analytical methods, FTIR, TGA, XRF.
•    Experience with formulating polymers or polymer like materials.
•    Strong team player that communicates effectively across multiple teams.

Spans of Control

Reports To (Supervisor Title):    Laboratory Supervisor
Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members:    No

Travel

Travel: Domestic 
% of Time: Up to 25%

Physical Requirements

Carrying/Lifting           % Time 5%      Weight: Up to 50 lbs 
Driving                       % Time 5%
Standing                    % Time 40%
Sitting                        % Time 40%
Walking                     % Time 10%

Working Conditions

Laboratory
Dust/Fumes/Gases/Chemicals
                 

Equipment

Computer/Keyboard
Safety Glasses
Power Tools
Laboratory Test Equipment

Competencies

Skills