Chemical Engineer; m​/f​/d

Department: R&D - Research and Development

The Chemical Engineer conducts research to develop complex, new, and improved chemical manufacturing processes within Habasit America’s Research & Development department in Buffalo, NY. This position designs and formulates chemical products, supports product feasibility and testing, and serves as a technical resource to Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality Assurance, and customers throughout the product development lifecycle.

Essential Functions

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Support the vision, mission, and guiding principles of the company.
• Observe applicable safety, health, and environmental rules and guidelines, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Attend and participate in training opportunities and seminars relevant to the position.
• Adhere to company operating procedures, benefit rules, employment policies, and safety policies.
• Conduct research to develop complex, new, and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
• Research, design, and develop tools, engines, machines, controls, equipment, and mechanical processes.
• Design and formulate complex chemical products such as synthetic rubber, plastics, polymers, and thermoplastic compounds.
• Coordinate R&D efforts with Marketing, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance regarding product feasibility and development time frames, and maintain project status updates using the approved project management tool.
• Review customers’ technical needs and assist sales engineers in developing product and service solutions to meet those needs; may perform sales presentations to prospective customers and conduct user training.
• Choose and implement analysis and testing techniques for material characterization, and coordinate physical testing and evaluation of raw materials and finished products to establish and maintain comprehensive product specifications.
• Develop and implement production and processing methods and controls to meet quality standards in the most cost‑effective manner.
• Review and make recommendations regarding suppliers’ proposals for process improvements and equipment additions or modifications.
• Evaluate competitors’ products and materials, including patent information, to help establish benchmarks for new products.
• Maintain current knowledge of “green” materials, processes, and equipment possibilities, and incorporate where feasible.
• Train managers and associates on new products, including raw materials, manufacturing procedures, product specifications and properties, and application characteristics.
• Adopt and utilize ISO 9000 procedures.
• Review daily operating variances and troubleshoot for resolution.
• Travel to existing and potential customers to support the design of new products.
• Interact with suppliers, consultants, customers, universities, and others to support the duties above.
• Collaborate with other members of Habasit's R&D team worldwide.
• Maintain responsibility for product and material certifications and approvals by the appropriate agency when required, including NSF, USDA, USDA Dairy, EU, and REACH.
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Product Development R&D (US).

This job description is not designed to cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

• Technical and Scientific Expertise.
• Project Management.
• Analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration.
• Communication Proficiency (written and verbal).
• Continuous Learning and Innovation.

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English.

This position supervises the Engineering Technician.

This position operates in a laboratory, office, and manufacturing environment. The role may include exposure to chemicals, machinery, noise, and production environments requiring adherence to safety and PPE protocols.

• Frequently required to talk and/or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to…