Job Title: Plastics Processing Engineer
Functional Area: Research and Development
Employment Type: Full Time
Years of Experience: 10 plus Years
Education Level: BA or MA
Career Level: Experienced / Non-manager
Reporting to: Executive Vice President R&D
About Cooley Group:
Cooley Group is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative, sustainable, high- performance engineered membranes used in some of the world's most high-profile outdoor advertising; environmental protection; water, fuel, and chemical containment; military; and roofing initiatives. Headquartered in Rhode Island, Cooley's award-winning portfolio of highly diversified solutions are marketed and distributed worldwide. The company also collaborates with leading global brands to develop proprietary, first-of-its-kind products and solutions. For more information, visit www.cooleygroup.com.
Key Responsibilities
Cooley Group, Inc. (Cooley) has an opening for a full-time Plastics Processing Specialist, located in Cranston, RI, reporting to the EVP, Research and New Business Development. In this position you will be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the R&D plastics processing lab and support product development activities within Cooley. You will work together with colleagues in the development team to scale up products to the main production lines and support the manufacturing team in continuous optimizing production processes. Excellent analytical skills are required to problem solve and to provide improved coated fabrics solutions to our customers. Your main responsibilities will be:
- Execute technology programs to develop innovative solutions in coated fabric applications. o Develop and optimize sheet extrusion processes for a variety of plastics using strong skills in plastic processing and material properties. As a member of the development team, interact with customers and aid with formulation, processing, and trouble shooting. o Translate sheet extrusion processes from lab to production lines at different production facilities. Travel to different locations will be required. o Support manufacturing teams optimizing and troubleshooting production processes.
- Maintain and operate plastic sheet extrusion and testing equipment o Provide/coordinate maintenance, modification, troubleshooting and equipment repair to ensure all in working order. o Comply with Environment, Health and Safety regulations and with the Quality Management System
- Manage process lab and develop new testing capabilities o Support safe practices and promote a safety culture in the process lab. o Maintain good housekeeping of the labs, equipment, and installations o Ensure presence of appropriate, up to date equipment including different sheet extrusion machines as well as test equipment. o Ensure availability of all required equipment. Either by acquiring new test equipment or coordinate testing at third parties.
- Work according to the company ISO9001/14001 quality policy and objectives. o Follow the respective guidelines set forth in the different quality documents and procedures. o Communicate any changes that are required in existing documents to the local ISO9001 contact person.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (10+ years of related experience) or Master’s degree (5+ years of related hands-on experience) in plastic engineering, chemical engineering, or related engineering degrees.
- Strong plastic processing background with emphasis on sheet extrusion processes. Knows how to process different types of thermoplastic materials and able to optimize and trouble shoot extrusion processes.
- Experience with polymer fiber or textile applications (knit, woven, and non-woven textiles) is a plus.
- Hand-on, mechanically inclined. Ability to perform simple maintenance tasks and identify when repairs by third parties are required.
- Strong communicator. Ability to provide detailed reports of obtained results with scientific analysis and recommendations for continuing research.
- Analytical thinker and detail oriented. Ability to design own experiments to evaluate different materials.
- Eager to learn, passionate about problem solving.
- A proven self-starter capable of handling multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated record of success.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 10 years (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: One location