JOB TITLE: R&D Engineering Operations Manager

This position reports directly to the High Performance Polymers (HPP) NA Regional R&D Director. The position directly supervises a group of 6-12 engineers and technicians. These resources work on projects within the scope of the HPP Melt Processing R&D team in the polymer processing area (High Bay) and Polymer Testing Lab to support new product and new business development.

JOB DIMENSIONS:

Manages and coordinates:

• All NORAM material testing, technical service, and development activities for HPP business;
• All NORAM HPP R&D melt processing and material testing asset procurement;
• Building 14 Polymer Processing High Bay and material testing lab operations; this includes twin screw compounding, film/sheet extrusion, co-extrusion, injection molding and basic physical and mechanical testing to support new product and application development. Works with the Melt Processing R&D manager(s) to prioritize projects, and then ensures that experiments are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with set priorities.

Develops resources designed to improve and expand technical service skills and effectiveness

• Promotes personnel training, career, and technical development
• Drives continuous improvement to the safety, accuracy, validity and effectiveness of the operations within High Bay and Materials Testing Labs
• Drives technical process development and equipment procurement to improve the safety, global R&D alignment, and capability for NORAM HPP

Responsible for all safety-related aspects of High Bay operations:

• Identification of Safety Critical Systems (SCS);
• Sustaining an effective preventive maintenance (PM) and mechanical integrity (MI) program;
• Rigorous training and skill development for equipment operators;
• Carrying out hazard analysis processes (MOC and/or LHA) as appropriate;
• Ensuring that effective SOPs are developed / maintained for all operations;

KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works toward continuous improvement of the engineering function within HPP NA business to provide high quality technical service and development support. Develops resources designed to improve and expand technical skills and effectiveness of the team. Works with market segment steering teams to anticipate new or improved capabilities needed to support future developments.
• Directs and coordinates the activities and priorities of the Core Engineering Technical Service Staff towards the effective utilization of assets to support NBD growth, sales support and R&D developments
• Monitors and audits all technical service projects and development programs of the NORAM HPP business
• Maintains effective relations with regional Research and Development Leaders globally
• Work with production teams (plant and tollers), QC labs, business management, supply chain, sales, customer service, process technology and industrial management to define technical solutions resulting from technical service or development activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS /WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field;
• Minimum of ten years of experience in field required and with previous direct supervisory experience;
• Project management experience and demonstration of successful project implementation;
• Production experience in a chemical or manufacturing plant is highly desired;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, PowerApps, & PowerBi).

Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and sustainable materials. With the ambition to become in 2024 a pure player in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into three complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials - Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions - accounting for some 80% of Group sales, and a well-positioned and competitive Intermediates segment. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of €9.5 billion ($10.6 billion) in 2021, and operates in 55 countries with 20,500 employees worldwide.

The diversity of its employees is an asset that the Arkema group wants to preserve. Its non-discrimination policy applies to recruitment, salary levels and career management. The Arkema group is committed to ensuring diversity among its employees.

Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence.