Research and Development Manager

Westlake Plastics is a world-leading manufacturer of thermoplastic stock shapes using extrusion and compression molding technologies. As we continue to grow and seek new ways to serve our customers, we are constantly looking for qualified and motivated individuals to join our team.

The Research and Development (R&D) Manager is a new role being added to the company's engineering department and will report to the Director of Engineering Management. The role will provide technical expertise and leadership for all ongoing as well as pipeline R&D projects. The role would be based out of our headquarters and manufacturing plant in the Greater Philadelphia region, and will also lead R&D projects at our manufacturing site near Scranton, PA. This role will have significant visibility within the organization and will work with internal subject matter experts and stakeholders as well as external development partners. Our collaborative and team centric culture has this position working closely with the Engineering project manager, Sales, Quality as well as Production personnel as needed.

Westlake Plastics has gone through a major transformation over the last decade and to support our continued growth and excellence, has created a culture that supports and promotes innovation. We have numerous development projects with companies that range from large resin manufacturers and OEMs to startups that we believe have significant potential. The successful candidate will have the eagerness to take ownership of new projects and bring them to completion while managing existing development efforts.

Salary will be commensurate with your experience.

Research and Development manager duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead new product development initiatives internally as well as with external development partners by employing technical expertise in materials/polymer science

• Design and conduct proof of concept experiments to validate capability and share learnings/gaps with stakeholders to launch new product development programs via stage-gate process

• Coordinate efforts of all company departments to ensure the best use of resources between existing projects. Assess resource availability for new projects, manage deliverables and timelines and advise stakeholders

• Track and manage project costs, identify unfavorable variances, and work with team members and/or management to minimize financial and/or schedule impacts throughout the project until the new product(s) are successfully commercialized

• Understand customer and partner pain points and priorities to determine how our technologies may fit with their initiatives and objectives.

• Establish standards for consideration and acceptance of R&D projects upon initial presentation by Sales

• Develop portfolio level reports that will create transparency around investments for senior leadership (including CEO) and show opportunities for trade-offs by using scenario analyses

• Conduct preliminary technical research and market assessment to evaluate market opportunity, competition, and customers in coordination with Sales and Business Development

• Work with engineering projects team to scale up product development to pilot testing and subsequently commercialization

Research and Development manager required skills

• Strong background in material/polymer science to help develop, qualify, and implement new production processes within a manufacturing environment

• Understand thermoplastic melt processing methods and conversion equipment and the influence that key input variables have on material processability and product quality

• Understanding of statistics in a manufacturing environment including, but not limited to, interpretation of data, extraction of trends, and establishment of process targets and limits.

• Manage projects with cross departmental teams with thorough documentation, consistent monitoring, precise communication, and detailed reporting

• Good understanding of and exposure to manufacturing processes, stage-gated process development, Quality Systems standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and AS 9100.

• Ability to work alone on DOEs and analytical projects

• Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as SOPs, maintenance instructions, engineering drawings, change management documents, and safety related documentation

• There will be some short travel assignments (up to 25%) to the plant in Mayfield, PA or to partner sites as required by the project

• Excellent time management, communication, presentation, and organizational skills required

• Follow and comply with all OSHA and company safety procedures

• Experience managing both direct reports and individuals in specific projects.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• BS in Materials Science or Polymer Engineering

• 4-6 years of project management experience; PMP certification is highly preferred

• 8-10 years of experience working in a manufacturing organization with polymer focus

• Experience in the Plastics industry is highly preferable, extrusion experience is a plus

• Proficient in MS Office, JMP/Minitab, and good working knowledge of engineering design tools

AAP/EEO Statement

Westlake Plastics Company believes in equal employment opportunity. The Company does not discriminate based on a person's race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, handicap, or veteran status regarding recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, and promotion.

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