Polymer Development Engineer

#Semiconductor Manufacturing #Defense Engineering #Aerospace Materials #High Performance Polymers #Cross Functional R&D #TPE #HN  #FKM #FFKM

The Polymer Technologist / Polymer Development Engineer leads end‑to‑end formulation and compounding of high‑performance elastomers—primarily TPE, TPV, N , HN  and FKM and FFKM compounds— high precision and high performance components used in mission critical industries such as Semiconductor, Aerospace, Energy and Defence. The role combines hands‑on recipe development with horizon‑scanning of emerging polymer chemistries and additives to keep the company at the forefront of material innovation.

The position spans lab‑scale compounding, mechanical and lab analytical testing, pilot‑plant scale‑up, vendor development and cross‑functional collaboration with R&D, Applications, Engineering, Quality and Operations.

• Develop, optimise and qualify TPE, TPV, N , HN  and FKM and FFKM compound formulations to meet target properties (hardness, tensile, elongation, compression set, abrasion, chemical resistance, temperature range, ESD range)
• Design and conduct lab‑scale mixing, milling and vulcanisation trials; interpret rheometer, cure curve and viscosity data to refine processing windows.
• Plan and execute mechanical testing: tensile/elongation/modulus (ASTM D412), compression set (ASTM D395 A/B), compression deflection (ASTM D575), abrasion (DIN 53516/ASTM D5963), rebound resilience (ASTM D2632), and static‑dissipative or volume resistivity (ANSI/ESD STM 11.11 to 11.14), amongst others.
• Lead engineering studies on materials using TGA, DSC, FTIR, DMA, SEM/EDX, ash content and solvent extraction to identify best in class polymer types, filler packages and additive systems.
• Benchmark global technology trends— PFAS/PDMS free compounds, bio‑based elastomers, fluorosilicone hybrids, TPVs, conductive or self‑healing rubbers—and assess fit for next‑generation products.
• Generate scale‑up protocols, mixing work instructions and control plans for production transfer; support PPAP/FAI submissions and customer qualification runs.
• Drive cost‑reduction and performance‑enhancement projects through raw‑material substitution, processing aids, cure‑system optimisation and filler surface‑treatment selection.
• Maintain accurate formulation records, test datasets and technical reports; present findings to management and customer engineering teams.
• Ensure all R&D and testing activities comply with ISO 9001 and relevant EH&S standards (hazardous chemicals, dust control, waste disposal).

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Rubber Technology, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.
• 5+ years direct experience compounding or formulating TPE, TPV, N , HN , FKM and FFKM elastomers for industrial or automotive applications.
• Proven proficiency with laboratory mixing (internal mixer, two‑roll mill), rheometry (MDR, RPA), physical‑property testing, and analytical characterisation techniques.
• Hands‑on familiarity with statistical DOE, formulation software (e.g., Sigma Soft, JMP), and basic statistical analysis (Cp/Cpk, ANOVA).
• Demonstrated success transferring lab recipes to pilot or production scale and troubleshooting compression molding, injection molding and curing defects.

• Strong curiosity for emerging polymer chemistries and cross‑industry material advances.
• Analytical mindset with ability to link composition–structure–property relationships.
• Self‑starter comfortable balancing long‑term R&D with urgent production support.
• Collaborative approach when interfacing with internal stakeholders.
• Clear technical writing and presentation skills; capable of articulating complex findings to non‑specialists.

Success in this position can lead to Senior Materials Scientist, R&D Team Lead or Materials Manager roles within the our Materials Centre of Excellence.