Compounding Engineer at Westlake

Bristol, Tennessee, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Chemicals, ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

Currently residing in or near Bristol, TN, or willing to relocate to the area
Willing to travel up to 10% to support other Westlake sites
Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from ABET accredited university in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials or Plastics Engineering
Minimum 3 to 5 years of functional and hands-on plastics compounding experience, preferably within rigid and foamed PVC extrusion processes or other physical/chemical production environments
Exceptional ability to collaboratively solve challenging problems
Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions as a team to develop PVC compounds to support extrusion plant operations
Ability to organize data, people, and tasks; possess leadership skills; strong working knowledge of products; problem-solving skills and conflict resolution skills
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
Ability to define problems, execute test trials, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and build consensus amongst a diverse technical and operational team
Evidence of effective project management and communication skills to drive technical projects with significant impact on business and operations

Responsibilities

Lead the creation, testing, and implementation of new material compounds to meet productivity and business objectives
Develop standard work and structured processes for evaluating, scaling, and implementing compounding changes across multiple production platforms
Utilize design of experiments methodologies to ensure complete and efficient evaluation of formulation changes and their impact on key manufacturing requirements
Learn from experienced, data-driven experts in your field and develop sound science-based principles while collaborating with a highly functioning operations team
Engage directly with cross-functional leadership to share knowledge, ideas, and strategies for improving business operations
Interface with internal and external customers and stakeholders to strategically plan and develop new products and solve a variety of production-related issues
Develop collaborative relationships with suppliers to stay abreast of new machinery and/or raw materials
Improve product performance, cost efficiency, and reduce scrap by utilizing lab equipment and coordinating trials on pilot and production extrusion equipment
Analyze data using statistical software and communicate results into easy-to-understand formats
Partner with R&D and Manufacturing in leveraging gated processes to bring new products, concepts, and ideas to market
Attend trade shows, classes, and training seminars to keep skills up to date and learn about new equipment, chemicals, and processes related to the industry
Calculate formulation costs and costs of material in extruded parts for management’s evaluation in new and existing parts
Assist in capital equipment budget planning and specifying to improve existing production techniques and develop new products and production methods

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

CompoundingMaterial FormulationDesign of ExperimentsProcess DevelopmentProduct TestingData AnalysisCross-Functional CollaborationSupplier RelationsOperational Excellence

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary for the Compounding Engineer position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position, or do I need to be located in a specific area?

You must be currently residing in or near Bristol, TN, or willing to relocate to the area, and be willing to travel up to 10% to support other Westlake sites.

What education and experience are required for this role?

A Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from an ABET accredited university in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials or Plastics Engineering is required, along with a minimum of 3 to 5 years of functional and hands-on plastics experience.

What is the company culture like at Westlake?

Westlake offers an entrepreneurial environment where you can enrich your work life and career, working together with a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and enhancing lives through products and community presence.

What makes a strong candidate for the Compounding Engineer role?

A strong candidate will have a relevant engineering degree, 3-5 years of hands-on plastics experience, passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, leadership, and suppliers while leading innovative projects.