Technology Manager - Thermoplastics

Position Description

• Technology Manager - Thermoplastics is responsible for new product development and customer technical support relative to the use of alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide, metal molybdate flame retardants in thermoplastic formulations, especially polyolefin based.  Provide leadership in thermoplastic technology.  Support in or lead customer investigations and product performance troubleshooting.

Position Requirements
Specialized/Technical Skills:

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in chemistry, chemical engineering, material sciences or polymer chemistry with industrial experience in new product development and commercialization.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in thermoplastics, preferably in polyolefins.  Strong knowledge of other thermoplastics such as PVC, polyamides, polyesters, etc.
• Experience with industrial application of flame retardant thermoplastic formulations containing alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide and metal molybdate (esp in wire and cable and construction industries).
• Excellent knowledge of thermoplastic manufacturing processes as well as post polymerization processing e.g.:  compounding, firm forming, cable making, etc.  Strong knowledge of stabilization and additive technologies used in thermoplastics.
• Strong knowledge of polymer testing and chemical analysis techniques for additive analysis as well as stabilization and additive technologies used in thermoplastics.
• Working knowledge of fire retardant types and mechanisms; common FR testing standards and methods.
• Working knowledge of mineral characterization methods including particle size analysis, familiarity with chemistry and manufacturing process of alumina trihydrate, magnesium hydroxide and metal molybdates is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to provide timely, well written and accurate records in accordance with good laboratory practices (excellent communication and reporting skills -both written and verbal - in English), and ability to share presentations and papers for industry conferences and symposia.
• Develops technical offerings in form of presentations, technical advise, and support of commercial sales.
• Provide recommendations on process scale up to manufacturing.   Assist at plant and customer trials.
• Supervise, plan and direct work of one or more laboratory technicians on development projects capable of delivering revenues of $1 to $10 MM or more in a one to three year time frame.