Sr. Product Development Engineer

SUMMARY Support the Polyethylene (PE) Business by developing new polymer products that meet customer needs. Support existing polymer product lines using Polyethylene Technology assets to generate information needed for Technical Service, Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing to be successful. Serve as a liaison between Westlake, toll manufacturers and outside testing or service organizations when needed.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Become established as a technical expert in assigned technology areas and use your skills for product development to support the PE Business objectives.Perform experiments to develop products and/or new technologies useful for the PE Business.Conduct internal evaluations of commercial and experimental products.Provide support to Operations, Technology, Marketing and other Westlake divisions as needed.Lead cross‑functional product teams to solve product issues via manufacturing or technology solutions.Generate data for use in product launch and marketing brochures.Establish finished Westlake PE product specifications.Assist laboratory functions as needed.Assist in the investigation, resolution and documentation of quality complaints, arriving at equitable conclusions beneficial to company and customer.Prepare and issue detailed test‑run plans for pilot and manufacturing project trials, ensuring operational, safety and environmental aspects are addressed.Prepare and issue detailed reports periodically to keep management abreast of project status.Prepare and conduct technical training for Westlake employees and customers.Assist management with special projects as assigned.Participate and represent Westlake's interest in industry trade and technical associations such as SPI, SPE, ASTM, TAPPI and NFPA, as needed.Consult with outside vendors and customers regarding process equipment, industry practice and analytical procedures, as needed.Perform other duties as defined or assigned by management.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS BS degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field; other degrees considered if accompanied by directly relevant experience.Approximately seven years in Polymer Applications, Product Development, Manufacturing Compounds or Technical Service, with knowledge of Quality Control principles.Experience with polymer extrusion coating or polymer processing and an understanding of Process‑Structure‑Property relationships.Knowledge of polymer characterization and testing.Problem‑solving innovation mindset with understanding of polymers from chemistry and processing perspectives.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to interact at all levels within the organization.Strong computer skills and the ability to convey detailed technical information to audiences with limited technical background.PHYSICAL DEMANDS This job is performed mainly in an office setting, laboratory or control room. Physical presence is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, have full use and range of motion of arms, hands and fingers to reach, grasp, hold, push or pull, twist, and work with tools; and to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to perform tasks that may require bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lying down or working from elevated platforms. The employee must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to see details of objects that are more or less than a few feet away; see differences between colors, shades and brightness and determine the distance between objects. This job requires response to audible emergency alarms inside the plant. Employee must be able to evacuate when required.WORK ENVIRONMENT The employee must be able to work in a normal chemical manufacturing environment, including enclosed spaces and exposure to various hazards. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Some work may be required in the operating units, which can require the usage of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, flame‑retardant clothing, etc. This may also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel, including air travel or auto travel, may occasionally be required.EEO STATEMENT Westlake Chemical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.#J-18808-Ljbffr