Product Development Scientist

About Vibrantz Technologies

Vibrantz Technologies (“Vibrantz” or “Company”) is a leading global provider of specialty chemicals and materials solutions whose purpose is to bring color, performance and vibrancy to life. Every day, our employees, the products we make, and our valued customer partnerships are inspired by this purpose.   Serving customers globally, our innovations are trusted in a variety of advanced materials, color solutions and performance coatings applications to enhance the hue, functionality, safety and environmental footprint of everyday consumer products. Our key competencies in particle engineering, glass and ceramic science and color technology enable benefits like more durable vehicles and batteries, easier-to-clean appliances, energy efficient roof tiles and bricks, stronger and more decorative glass, and eco-friendly paints.  Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Vibrantz has over 60 manufacturing facilities and sales offices on six continents and employs roughly 4,000 individuals. We are building a strong, shared culture that is rooted strongly in our six core values that focus on safety, our people, customers, excellence in all we do, environmental stewardship, and integrity, ethics, and trust. And we are intent upon fostering a workplace that engages employees’ heads, hands and - uniquely - their hearts. 

Vibrantz is owned by American Securities, a leading U.S. private equity firm that invests in market-leading North American companies with annual revenue generally ranging from $200 million to $2 billion and/or $50 million to $200 million of EBITDA. American Securities and its affiliates have approximately $23 billion under management and are based in New York with an office in Shanghai. 

For more information, please visit www.vibrantz.com and www.american-securities.com. 

Job Function

Reporting into the Technology Manager, Plastics, the Product Development Scientist will be based out of Ashtabula, Ohio and will be responsible for innovative projects requiring research and development for the Plastics and Coatings markets and provide start-up support to Operations when projects are scaled up to production quantities.
 

Responsibilities

• Set a positive example with respect to safety and overall professional performance.

• Prepare project plans, periodic reports, and Gate Review information to allow smooth transition of new products from development through scale up to Operations.

• Train technical personnel in new processes and procedures as it relates to innovation development.   

• Communicate new technology to Commercial management and Product management in terms of features, benefits, and comparisons to benchmarks. In support of target objectives, prepare exhibits, specimens and presentations that illustrate key characteristics.

• Accompany commercial sales on customer visits for collaboration opportunities and/or innovation launch opportunities.

• Work independently and in collaboration with other team members to meet project goals with accelerated schedules and significant commercial impact.

• Compose presentations and reports to internal/external parties.

• Plan and conduct developmental/customer support projects that are assigned by the Technology Manager. Issue periodic reports on progress and activities in support of internally determined objectives. Also, purchase supplies for the timely and efficient operation of projects/programs.

• Determine specification requirements for raw materials as used in new technologies and related applications. Accordingly, make appropriate recommendations to Technology Manager and/or QC/QA Manager(s).

• Perform laboratory, pilot-scale and manufacturing work involving the development and/or scale up of dispersion products and processes for a multitude of thermoset applications.

• Establish processing and quality control parameters that are essential to newly developed technologies and provide relevant information to QC/QA Manager(s) and Internal Technical Service. Where assigned, assist in troubleshooting of batches involving significant changes in process and/or chemistry.

• Comply with safety rules and regulations, lead /support safety meetings and training, inspects work area for hazards/deficiencies and initiates action to correct them. Also, reports injury/illness and/or environmental incidents.  

• Maintain lab notebooks to organize, analyze, and record work product.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience

• Doctor’s degree in chemistry, material science or related field with demonstrated knowledge in chemistry and/or chemical engineering, and colloidal/nano particle modification chemistry would be a plus.

• Understanding of dispersion chemistry effect to the surface treatment of substrates used within the thermoset application area.

• 5+ years of experience in a scientific field and experience functionalizing nanoparticles.

• Experience and discipline in hands on experimentation as well as experience with DOE design statistic software is an advantage.

• Ability to analyze, design and implement projects.

• The ability to operate in a self-directed manner and make independent decisions as required.

• Ability to work well in a team environment and lead product development efforts to successfully complete assigned product development projects.

• Ability to carry out efficient communication with team members as well as internal and external customers.

• Strong oral and written English communication skills are required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications as required.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, paid vacation, and 401K.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands and working conditions 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. 

Vibrantz Technologies Inc. (“Vibrantz”) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Vibrantz strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Location

Ashtabula, OH

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Vibrantz Technologies Inc. (“Vibrantz”) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. Vibrantz strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.