Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion) in Charlotte
Energy Jobline ZR, Charlotte, NC, United States
Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion)
The Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion) provides technical expertise in polymer behavior, formulation development, and process optimization for plastic extrusion operations. This role supports production, quality, and R&D by ensuring that materials, additives, and processing conditions deliver consistent product performance, cost efficiency, and manufacturability.
Job ID: 521655
Job Location
This is a remote role when not traveling locally or nationally to our manufacturing sites. Must reside in the greater Philadelphia, PA, Charlotte, NC or Tampa, FL area.
Responsibilities
Optimize extrusion parameters including melt temperature, screw speed, and line speed.
Support design and optimization of extrusion dies, screws, and downstream equipment.
Perform DOE studies to improve throughput, quality, and dimensional stability.
Develop and optimize compound formulations including masterbatch, fillers, stabilizers, and additives.
Evaluate resin properties affecting extrusion behavior such as MFI, rheology, fusion, and thermal stability.
Create reports documenting insights on results and conclusions based on data sets.
Define resin specifications, incoming material requirements, and in-process quality checks (dimensions, gloss, haze, tensile, melt flow, density, impact).
Use analytical tools to diagnose material or process issues.
Troubleshoot problems such as melt fracture, sharkskin, gels or black specks, die lines or surface roughness, bubbles or voids, warpage or dimensional instability, streaking or contamination, excess die drool or buildup.
Work closely with extrusion operators to implement material or recipe changes, adjust settings, and improve process robustness.
Conduct root‑cause analysis for scrap or downtime events using tools such as 5-Why, Ishikawa, and statistical analysis.
Maintain and update work instructions, material handling procedures, resin drying guidelines, and hopper loading practices.
Create procedures to ensure all safety concerns and hazards are properly addressed in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
Manage resin trials, supplier evaluations, and approval of alternative materials to reduce cost or improve performance.
Reduce material usage and scrap through formulation refinement, tighter process control, and resin substitution.
Collaborate with Purchasing and R&D on resin cost-reduction and qualification projects.
Support Lean, Six Sigma, and process capability improvement (Cp/Cpk) initiatives.
Travel up to 50% of the time.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Hands‑on experience with thermoplastic extrusion (single-screw, twin-screw, profile, sheet, pipe, film, tubing, or wire & cables).
Strong understanding of polymer behavior: melt rheology, thermal transitions, degradation mechanisms, and stabilization chemistry; PVC experience.
Familiarity with quality systems, lab testing methods, and statistical analysis; strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, especially in dynamic production environments.
Excellent communication with operators, supervisors, quality teams, and customers.
Practical, hands‑on approach to materials and process experimentation.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
Overnight travel up to 50%.
Compensation
Base salary $70,000 – $110,000
401(k) / retirement savings program
Short-term and long-term benefits
Life insurance
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Benefits
Highly competitive base pay
Comprehensive medical, dental, and benefits programs
Group retirement savings program
Health and wellness programs
An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion
Oldcastle® APG, a CRH Company, is an affirmatively action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a person with a disability.
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The Materials Science Engineer (Extrusion) provides technical expertise in polymer behavior, formulation development, and process optimization for plastic extrusion operations. This role supports production, quality, and R&D by ensuring that materials, additives, and processing conditions deliver consistent product performance, cost efficiency, and manufacturability.
Job ID: 521655
Job Location
This is a remote role when not traveling locally or nationally to our manufacturing sites. Must reside in the greater Philadelphia, PA, Charlotte, NC or Tampa, FL area.
Responsibilities
Optimize extrusion parameters including melt temperature, screw speed, and line speed.
Support design and optimization of extrusion dies, screws, and downstream equipment.
Perform DOE studies to improve throughput, quality, and dimensional stability.
Develop and optimize compound formulations including masterbatch, fillers, stabilizers, and additives.
Evaluate resin properties affecting extrusion behavior such as MFI, rheology, fusion, and thermal stability.
Create reports documenting insights on results and conclusions based on data sets.
Define resin specifications, incoming material requirements, and in-process quality checks (dimensions, gloss, haze, tensile, melt flow, density, impact).
Use analytical tools to diagnose material or process issues.
Troubleshoot problems such as melt fracture, sharkskin, gels or black specks, die lines or surface roughness, bubbles or voids, warpage or dimensional instability, streaking or contamination, excess die drool or buildup.
Work closely with extrusion operators to implement material or recipe changes, adjust settings, and improve process robustness.
Conduct root‑cause analysis for scrap or downtime events using tools such as 5-Why, Ishikawa, and statistical analysis.
Maintain and update work instructions, material handling procedures, resin drying guidelines, and hopper loading practices.
Create procedures to ensure all safety concerns and hazards are properly addressed in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
Manage resin trials, supplier evaluations, and approval of alternative materials to reduce cost or improve performance.
Reduce material usage and scrap through formulation refinement, tighter process control, and resin substitution.
Collaborate with Purchasing and R&D on resin cost-reduction and qualification projects.
Support Lean, Six Sigma, and process capability improvement (Cp/Cpk) initiatives.
Travel up to 50% of the time.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
Hands‑on experience with thermoplastic extrusion (single-screw, twin-screw, profile, sheet, pipe, film, tubing, or wire & cables).
Strong understanding of polymer behavior: melt rheology, thermal transitions, degradation mechanisms, and stabilization chemistry; PVC experience.
Familiarity with quality systems, lab testing methods, and statistical analysis; strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, especially in dynamic production environments.
Excellent communication with operators, supervisors, quality teams, and customers.
Practical, hands‑on approach to materials and process experimentation.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
Overnight travel up to 50%.
Compensation
Base salary $70,000 – $110,000
401(k) / retirement savings program
Short-term and long-term benefits
Life insurance
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Benefits
Highly competitive base pay
Comprehensive medical, dental, and benefits programs
Group retirement savings program
Health and wellness programs
An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion
Oldcastle® APG, a CRH Company, is an affirmatively action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a person with a disability.
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