Purpose of Job

This position is key to leading Legacy Manufacturing in expanding capabilities into in-house hose extrusion and PVC compounding.   It will assist product development department through responsibility for flexible PVC and other materials used to extrude multi-layer fiber reinforced hose. Must identify and implement opportunities to improve quality, and performance of hose while minimizing scrap and waste, and controlling and reducing cost. Will be required to regularly monitor market conditions for material commodities and report findings to management.

Responsibilities

• Work with compound suppliers to specify extrusion materials and performance requirements
• Define and document "recipes" for compounds used in hose extrusion
• Lead development of in-house compounding capabilities
• Recommend, procure and supervise installation of lab equipment to monitor incoming compound quality and develop new compounds
• Monitor material performance and characteristics throughout extrusion process
• Work with other departments to identify and develop new hose extrusion products
• Train quality personnel on verification and inspection of incoming material
• Analyze incoming material using melt-flow index, torque rheometry, and other lab methods

Job Qualifications

• Must have 5+ years' experience with thermoplastic materials used in extrusion especially plasticized PVC
• Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering, or other material science required
• Expert knowledge of chemistry, chemical components, solutions and mixtures and their safe handling
• Knowledge of flexible PVC extrusion, polymer compounding especially additives required for extrusion, plastics, color & functional master batch processes
• Proficient with lab equipment used to evaluate and develop plastic materials and compounds, experience with melt flow index and torque rheometer material analysis
• Excellent math, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of basic electricity
• Must have a continuous improvement mindset
• Experience writing and following manufacturing procedures for materials compounding
• Proficient with MS Office software: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Work well in cross functional team environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-starter and ability to complete projects with little supervision
• Hands on, mechanically inclined