Raw Materials Glass Technologist - Guardian Industries
Carleton, MI 48117
About the Job
We are seeking for a technical professional with experience in developing raw materials for industrial processes. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, enjoy working within a cross functional team, and be passionate about driving value creation by transforming the way we utilize raw materials in glass manufacturing.
Raw materials like sand, soda ash, limestone, and dolomite are crucial in determining the final properties, cost, and quality of glass, as well as in advancing glass technology. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in optimizing our raw material and glass composition capabilities, driving value creation across Guardian's global operations.
In alignment with Guardian and Koch's Principle Based Management company culture, a successful individual in this role is willing to take personal initiative to grow their knowledge in the glass making process, engage different areas of the business, and work both individually and as a part of a team in a dynamic environment.
What You Will Do
- Collaborate with Global Cross Functional Teams to optimize raw material utilization and support in understanding the economic impact through effective resource use.
- Exercise technical leadership in transforming Guardian's raw materials and glass compositions, implementing principled entrepreneurship to support innovation in these areas.
- Be part of the Global Subject Mater Expert team to develop and provide specialized knowledge to support Guardian's float plants, particularly in areas of geology or mineralogy of glass making raw materials.
- Collaborate with strategic sourcing and purchasing. to identify and procure competitively advantaged raw materials.
- Implement new materials, glass compositions, and types of cullet, from innovation and planning to risk assessment and trial execution.
- Collaborate and work on a team that conducts on-site audits of raw material suppliers and work with our partners to deliver the desired raw material quality and consistency.
- Develop and share comprehensive knowledge on the geological requirements for glass making materials.
- Work with the analytical team to analyze and evaluate raw materials and glass compositions and provide data driven information to gain knowledge, solve problems and provide value to Global operational sites.
- Provide specialist knowledge in the analysis of raw materials and glass composition, including techniques such as particle size analysis, refractory heavy mineral analysis, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and spectrophotometry.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- Five (5) or more years' technical experience in raw materials specification
- Experience in raw material testing, specifications, auditing and process improvements
- Experience analyzing critical requirements of raw materials
- Willing to travel up to 20% of the time
- Experience applying statistical analyses and design of experiments
What Will Put You Ahead
- Advanced degree in Geology, Mineralogy, Glass or Ceramics Science, or related disciplines
- Technical leadership in identifying and sourcing raw materials for industry
- Experience with auditing and supplier assessment to ensure material quality and compliance
- Experience in assessment of geological or mineralogical areas for glassmaking raw materials or similar industries such as cement or ceramics, including testing, specifications and technology
- Operational or manufacturing experience of the Glass industry to include knowledge of process requirements and quality control
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Guardian Glass is one of the world's largest manufacturers of float, value-added and fabricated glass products and solutions. We produce high-performance glass for architectural, residential, interior, transportation and technical glass applications. You'll find our glass in homes, offices and cars and in some of the world's most iconic projects.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information.