Application Development Scientist- Textiles

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a rapidly growing global leader in the production of Nylon 6,6, and we are seeking an Application Development Scientist with proven capabilities to join our team of industry professionals.

As a member of Ascend Performance Material’s Fibers Technology team, the Application Development Scientist requires the ability to imagine, create and develop new fiber solutions for the apparel, industrial, consumer and medical textiles industry.  The position will interact with customers at a technical level and translate fundamental application needs into product solutions.  Networking globally with various commercial, technical and manufacturing functions, this position will require customer interface, market analysis, idea generation, development, application testing and support of the commercialization process.  The successful candidate will consistently demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit by thinking and working “outside the box.”

The position is located on-site at Ascend’s Pensacola, Florida, USA facility, and is in-person (not virtual).

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Aid in the development of textile product offerings (medical, work wear, industrial, military and defense, activewear, etc.)
• Manage testing protocols and assist with the qualification of textile products according to necessary standards and specifications (ASTM, ISO, NFPA, etc.)
• Provide technical support with new product introductions

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to interacting with customers and translating unmet application needs, the Application Development Scientist has a variety of job responsibilities, including:

• Primary responsibility is to ensure that the textile products developed meet the intended functional, aesthetic, and regulatory standards for their application
• Designs, develops, analyzes, troubleshoots, and provides technical skills during research and/or product development across multiple industries.
• Responsible for validation and acceptance of Ascend’s fiber product offerings in customer applications and translating the wins globally, leveraging regional teams.
• Plan and lead projects from concept to commercialization.
• Responsible for material selection, data preparation, modeling data, customer presentations and customer trials.

TEAM

• Reports to: Nylon Technology Director
• Team Members (no direct reports): Product Technology Scientists, Technicians.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

The successful Application Development Scientist candidate will have a Master’s Degree in Polymer Science, Polymer and Color Chemistry, Textile Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, or related discipline. Doctorate degrees are highly preferred.

• 10+ years industrial experience with textiles
• Broad, cross functional understanding of:
  • Technical knit, woven, and nonwoven fabric construction.
  • Fiber and yarn production.
  • Textile wet processing.
  • Textile testing.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Experience leading customer focused application innovation platforms and developing value stream maps.
• Conceptualization, design, and development of new applications using first principles.
• Validation of new materials and products in existing and new customer platforms.
• Ability to quick assess and resolve diverse product challenges and prioritize multiple activities.
• Experience in delivering complex technical presentations to large groups, non-technical audiences, and executive management.
• Experience utilizing Quality Functional Deployment and gated project management systems preferred.
• Be able to work well in a team and multi-task effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with cross-functional teams
• Adaptability and able to pivot to follow market trends and leads; able to work in an entrepreneur environment.
• Ability to communicate business priorities at the executive level.
• Must be a strategic and innovative thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Minitab, and other systems).

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

Skills Summary:

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities ​​for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.