Tire Materials Engineer

Reporting directly to the Senior R&D Manager, the Tire Materials Engineer is responsible for identifying process improvement opportunities, implementing new rubber compounds and reinforcement materials, and driving product improvements through material and compound innovations. This role supports manufacturing excellence by ensuring robust, efficient, and sustainable tire production processes.

Responsibilities Implement departmental policies, strategies, and objectives that support Nokian Tyres operational and sustainability goals.

Lead the development, validation, and implementation ofraw materials, reinforcement materials, rubber compounds, manufacturing processes, and equipment improvements to ensure product manufacturability, efficiency, and profitability.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to compound development, material performance, manufacturing methods, and process control.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain, to introduce new materials, technologies, and best practices

Ensure compound and material implementation complies with Nokian Tyres Quality Management System and global standards.

Support new product introductions through stable, capable manufacturing processes and robust material performance.

Promote Lean manufacturing principles and safe work practices consistent with Nokian Tyres values.

Maintain high product quality, in particular high rubber compound quality, and manufacturing yields while ensuring optimal resource utilization and adherence to safety standards. Support the implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.

Analyze current processes and practices, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions.

Share technical knowledge and best practices with colleagues across the organization.

Provide technical support and collaboration to other departments as needed.

Lead by example through positive reinforcement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage all levels of the organization.

Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical challenges through in-depth analysis, sound judgment, and creative problem-solving.

Proven leadership skills with the ability to establish challenging objectives and achieve results through collaboration and team engagement.

Strong problem-solving abilities and a root-cause-analysis mindset.

Working knowledge of applied statistics, Design of Experiments (DOE), cause-and-effect analysis, risk assessment methodologies, Lean Manufacturing principles, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).Strong understanding of rubber compounding, reinforcement materials, and tire manufacturing processes.

High attention to detail with a focus on prevention-based quality systems.

Experience with error-proofing methodologies and risk mitigation techniques.

Requirements Minimum of seven (7) years of industrial or manufacturing experience.

Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience in the tire industry.

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Advanced degree (MBA or M.S.) preferred but not required

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to work overtime and weekends as business needs require.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements and Demands The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this…