Polymer Processing Engineer

Polymer Processing Engineer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Polymer Processing Engineer.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in theUnited States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. TheUniversity will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g. H-1B).

Job Summary
A customer-focused individual responsible for all aspects of polymer processing projects: material selection equipment selection CAD design processing/testing/reporting based on client needs. Excellent at troubleshooting and root cause analysis maintaining quality compliance and working cross-functionally. The successful candidate will be a mid-level polymer engineer/scientist with commercial experience mechanically inclined has speed-of-business focus a deep understanding of polymers strong communication skills is statistically competent and is an independent contributor. Customer projects primarily focus on creating and improving products manufacturing efficiency cycle times and defect reduction over many market applications.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Leads and manages technical projects from initiation through completion including client consultations project planning technical problem-solving stakeholder coordination product development schedules and project documentation. Manages relationships with clients vendors and cross-functional teams and represents MPI at technical conferences presentations exhibitions and educational and community outreach activities.
2. Leads polymer processing and manufacturing operations utilizing injection molding extrusion Brabender mixing thermoforming 3D printing composite manufacturing and related equipment. Sets up qualifies operates troubleshoots and optimizes manufacturing processes; evaluates production data and process performance; and provides on-site technical support to clients for extrusion molding and related processing operations.
3. Manages molds dies processing machinery materials and other manufacturing resources including design procurement calibration maintenance modification upgrades and repairs. Provides technical input on mold and die designs mold-flow analyses finite element analyses and thermal analyses and ensures equipment and resources remain operational and compliant.
4. Develops validates documents and continuously improves polymer formulations and manufacturing processes to achieve desired material properties product quality and manufacturability. Applies data acquisition process capability analysis Statistical Process Control (SPC) Design of Experiments (DOE) simulation and root cause analysis to identify and implement process improvements.
5. Conducts product performance acceptance mechanical thermal and material property testing and evaluates materials and finished products for compliance with customer industry quality and regulatory requirements. Develops and implements quality-control procedures analyzes testing results prepares technical and compliance reports and ensures adherence to environmental health and safety requirements.
6. Develops and maintains standard operating procedures work instructions technical documentation engineering records and manufacturing records. Provides employee and customer training on equipment manufacturing processes and quality procedures and maintains knowledge of emerging polymer technologies and manufacturing practices.
7. Supports sustainable manufacturing and product development initiatives including the evaluation and development of materials and processes that promote reuse recyclability and composability while balancing product performance manufacturability and environmental considerations.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering Polymer Engineering Plastics Engineering Materials Science Chemical Engineering or a related field. Three (3) to ten (10) years of experience in a manufacturing environment including at least five (5) years of direct experience with polymer materials injection molding extrusion 3D printing composite manufacturing or related processing equipment. Experience working directly with customers or clients.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers composites bioplastics polymer structure-property relationships rheology thermodynamics compounding processing and quality control.
• Knowledge of polymer characterization techniques standardized testing methods and related testing equipment.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing Total Quality Management root cause analysis continuous improvement and quality assurance principles.
• Knowledge of sustainable polymer and manufacturing practices including recyclable bio-based and compostable materials.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel statistical analysis software such as Minitab CAD and 3D modeling software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360 3D-printing slicing software and mold-flow analysis software.
• Skill in analyzing and resolving complex polymer processing product design manufacturing and quality issues.
• Project management skills including the ability to coordinate technical projects establish priorities and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to analyze technical and manufacturing data and communicate findings recommendations and conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary groups including engineers chemists equipment operators supply chain personnel product development teams clients inventors startups and organizational leadership.
• Ability to provide technical leadership training and guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to evolving materials technologies manufacturing processes and business needs.
• Ability to travel including occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications
Six Sigmacertification and project management certification preferred. Familiarity withIndustry 4.0 technologies and smart manufacturing environments includingrobotics digital twins and predictive analytics. Knowledge of sustainableproduct and manufacturing practices including design for recyclabilitycircular economy principles and environmentally responsible materials.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910 The University of SouthernMississippi has remained dedicated to preparingstudents for success. We deliver programs to more than 13000 studentsin Hattiesburg and Long Beach at teaching and research sites across theMississippi Gulf Coast as well as online. Weare a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university earning distinction as one ofthe nations leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work inpolymer science ocean science spectator sports safety and security and bringinglanguage to children with communication disorders. We are also a nationalleader in a broad range of disciplines including cybersecurity hydrographynutrition aquaculture kinesiology and economic development among others.

We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering information technology and ocean engineering. Were developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information visit.

Required Experience:

IC