R&D Engineer (Polymer Engineering/Material Science)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and technically proficient R&D professional with a strong background in thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and engineering plastic formulations. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in polymer science, with practical exposure to processing technologies such as extrusion, injection molding. A deep understanding of polymeric material selection, additive systems, and product-specific formulation development is essential.

This role involves leading formulation development and optimization, interpreting structureproperty relationships, and evaluating the performance of developed materials based on mechanical, thermal, and rheological data. The candidate will be responsible for analyzing technical data, preparing detailed reports, and contributing to product innovation and continuous improvement.

A critical aspect of this role is direct customer engagement, requiring strong interpersonal skills, technical empathy, and a solution-oriented mindset. The candidate must demonstrate a high level of customer-centricity, with the ability to understand customer needs, provide technical support, attend customer trials, and lead field evaluations and troubleshooting activities.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment, contributing to the development of advanced polymer solutions used in diverse industry applications, and other molded or extruded end-use articles.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

• Formulation Development:

  Develop and optimize formulations for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and engineering plastics tailored to end-use articles, ensuring performance consistency and processability.

• Material Selection:

  Identify and select appropriate base polymers, additives, and reinforcement systems etc. aligned with the specific performance requirements, processing conditions, and end-use applications.

• Processing Trials Oversight:

  Co-ordinate with processing teams to conduct formulation trials using extrusion, injection molding techniques, ensuring formulation compatibility and process efficiency.

• Data Interpretation:

  Review and interpret mechanical, thermal, and rheological test data to evaluate compound performance and guide formulation adjustments.

• Technical Documentation:

  Analyze experimental data and prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and formulation records to support internal reviews and customer communications.

• Customer Support & Collaboration:

  Work closely with cross-functional teams to address customer complaints, support product improvement initiatives, and ensure timely resolution of technical issues.

• Root Cause Analysis:

  Lead structured problem-solving efforts, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions for processing or performance-related challenges.

• Technology Scouting:

  Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging materials, and innovative technologies to support continuous improvement and innovation.

• Scale-Up Support:

  Facilitate the transition of formulations from lab-scale to pilot and commercial production, ensuring scalability and reproducibility.

• Compliance & Standards:

  Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, internal documentation protocols, and quality systems throughout the development process.

Qualifications & Skills:

Technical Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of TPE and engineering polymer chemistries, including formulation strategies and performance optimization.
• Practical experience in polymer processing technologies such as extrusion and injection molding.
• Strong understanding of polymer selection, additive technologies (e.g., stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, compatibilizers etc.,), and their impact on final product properties.
• Proficiency in interpreting material test data, including mechanical, thermal, and rheological results, with a strong grasp of structureproperty relationships to guide formulation decisions and product development.
• Familiarity with statistical tools such as Minitab and Excel for data analysis and process control.

Behavioral & Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities in technical environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly.
• A customer-centric mindset, with a proactive approach to understanding customer needs, providing empathetic support, and delivering tailored solutions.
• High level of adaptability, with readiness to travel and engage directly with customers for technical support, field trials, and collaborative development.
• Ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:

  Bachelors or Masters degree in Polymer Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Experience:

  Minimum of 3-4 years of relevant industry experience in polymer formulation, processing, and customer technical service.

• Customer Engagement:

  Proven track record in technical support, complaint resolution, and field-level product development, including support for customer trials and end-use part validation.

• Regulatory Knowledge:

  Exposure to industry standards, compliance protocols, and technical documentation practices.