Materials Engineer

POSITION PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for serving as a subject matter expert on plastisol materials across the organization, supporting material selection, development, validation, and process optimization. The Materials Engineer will play a pivotal role in cost optimization, new product development and advancing the company's profitability and sustainability goals.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Increase the design capabilities and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges related to materials.
• Create and follow standardized procedures related to material selection and processing.
• Evaluate materials and processes based on conformance to specifications and design and performance requirements.
• Provide evaluation and resolution to technical, operational, and supplier problems related to materials and processes.
• Serve as technical contact for suppliers and customers.
• Support material testing by inspection, analysis, and reporting of post-test results.
• Demonstrate a pattern of logical and productive decisions that contribute to organizational goals.
• Develop and maintain metrics and workflow practices through the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that measure and drive effectiveness.
• Recommend changes based on an analysis of metrics and drive effective change management efforts.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to the overall operation and effectiveness of the company.
• Prepare performance reporting to management advising of progress towards goals.
• Maintain awareness of both the external and internal competitive landscape, opportunities for expansion, customers, markets, and new industry developments and standards.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure adherence to safety, quality, and human resources policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all activities and operations are carried out in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws governing business operations.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in all internal and external interactions and relationships.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with key customers, distribution vendors, and industry contacts to gain knowledge of future market and customer needs and further develop business opportunities.
• Oversee special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to create a clear vision and think strategically.
• Ability to effectively plan for short term and long-term requirements.
• Consistent and effective decision making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic accounting functions.
• Ability to comprehend complex business documents including contracts, product drawings, government regulations, etc.
• Ability to effectively participate in and facilitate meetings.
• Proven ability to manage people and teams to achieve successful results.
• Exhibits high credibility and trustworthiness to customers and to the company.
• Strong organization skills, good follow-through and attention to detail.
• Tenacity in overcoming obstacles while maintaining productive and positive working relationships.
• Strong process and project management skills.
• Ability to execute in a rapidly changing, fast paced, dynamic environment which requires strong teamwork.
• Familiarity with ERP/materials management processes and systems.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and the capacity to learn new systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Engineering, a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Experience in a similar manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

• Previous leadership experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the building. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Starting annual pay range: $65,000 - $90,000 depending on experience

Benefits Overview:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bereavement leave
• Community involvement time off
• Dental insurance
• Earned time off
• Employee assistance program
• Family and medical leave
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Holiday pay
• Life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment
• Military leave
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Vision insurance
• Flexible schedule