Contract Innovation Chemist - Vibram Corporation

This is a contract position for a minimum of one year, with the potential for a salaried position at the end of the contract. As the Contract Innovation Chemist, the right candidate will partner with the Innovation Chemist & Materials Manager to develop light weight, high performance rubber soles and foam midsoles to advance our US-based innovation programs. A broad knowledge of polymer formulations, properties, processing, and evaluation is required. The materials used include crosslinked rubber, thermoset PU, thermoplastics, TPEs, adhesives, and foaming agents. This is a hands-on role; candidates should be comfortable working with laboratory and production equipment. This role will be based in our factory located in North Brookfield, MA. Flexible on-site presence can be negotiated.

Duties require effective verbal and written communications skills; visual attention to written and computer screen detail; ability to move throughout department and company facilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

1. Develop and improve compounds, processes, and products which meet or exceed customer specifications.
2. Work with suppliers to evaluate new materials and products that could improve processing, enhance properties and/or reduce costs.
3. Communicate with team members to evaluate projects, brainstorm ideas, establish schedule for completion, and provide updates to the Innovation Team.
4. Problem-solve issues through chemistry, engineering, and process improvement.
5. Maintain accurate records of projects in compliance with ISO procedures and processes.
6. Communicate and work with other Vibram facilities, customers, and suppliers.
7. Participate in teams to investigate, purchase, and commercialize new equipment and processes.
8. Provide internal and external customers with information on compound applications and specifications, as well as appropriate test data for the customer.
9. Regular and reliable attendance is a requirement of the job.
10. Perform other tasks requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from four-year College or University; education in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, polymers, rubber, and/or plastics.

Minimum 5-7 years of experience.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data, uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Uses root cause analysis to minimize the risk of problems reoccurring.

• Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

• Mathematical Skills - Ability to write and scale formulas, analyze data, use predictive modeling, and set tolerances using mathematical concepts.

• Customer Service - Manages customer requirements, responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; by meeting commitments.

• Oral and Written Communication - Speaks and writes clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responses well to questions, demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings.

• Teamwork - balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others; views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decision; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Experimental Design (useful)