Research & Support Engineer; Principal Engineer

Research & Support Engineer (Principal Engineer)

Westlake is seeking a Principal Engineer to provide technical support to our polyethylene (PE) resins, leveraging expertise in polymer performance characterization, resin design, and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Provide direct support and troubleshooting for polymer & polymer performance characterization (e.g. rheology, structure & morphology, properties, etc.) incl. for product development, plant & customer support, and new innovation.
• Provide support & direction to improve resins and keep Analytical & Characterization capabilities up-to-date incl. for product development, plant & customer support, and new innovation.
• Act as principal investigator to determine & conduct laboratory experiments and tests (internally & externally) required by stakeholder’s needs.
• Evaluate and report results of experiments and make recommendations so that appropriate actions can be taken.
• Lead projects or assist in research, planning, experiments, data collection and evaluation of information.
• Work with key stakeholders (including TS&D, Commercial, Manufacturing, et al) to resolve problems and to identify opportunities that add value for the business.
• Contribute as a member of the Technology Leadership Team.
• Use acquired knowledge & expertise to identify & solve problems – incl. to work with vague problems and creating definition so that these can be understood, investigated, and solved.
• Act as a team member to develop and maintain key relationships, and ensure that objectives, project, and resources are focused on PE business needs and goals.
• Communicate by reports, presentations, and other updates. Ensure that all stakeholders are informed.
• Maintain current knowledge of developments & opportunities incl. by reading current literature and patents, attending key conferences.
• Participate in communication with outside vendors and suppliers to support the evaluation of the products or services, and learn “state of the art” practices and equipment offered relevant to business needs and goals.
• Advise and direct lab & instrument improvements to keep capabilities up-to-date to meet stakeholder’s needs.
• Contribute key projects to the “pipeline” (i.e. new ideas for resins, characterization, improvements).
• Mentor, coach, and provide instruction and direction to others for proper execution of projects, experiments, and tests.
• Contribute to development & maintenance of core competencies incl. conducting training seminars (internal & external), and proposing training opportunities.
• Protect intellectual property and disclose key findings for consideration in patenting, trade secrets, etc.
• Participate in intellectual property and support the Legal Department in the prosecution of and defense of patent applications.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal Safety as well as the Safety of others.
• Carry out experiments & lab activities consistent with site health, safety, and environmental policies & procedures of Westlake Longview.
• Provide expertise to, and participate in, Safety activities incl. Safety reviews, M.O.C., etc. and ensure work is carried out consistent with the site health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures of Westlake Longview.
• Perform other tasks and reasonable instructions or duties as assigned by supervision or management.

• B.S. and/or M.S. degree
• Minimum thirteen (13) years engineering/technology experience related to polyolefin resins.

• PhD. or M.S. in polymer chemistry, or a B.S. degree with extensive polyolefin experience.
• The Research & Support Engineer activities are primarily based on knowledge of, and characterization techniques for polymer structure and properties. This includes knowledge of e.g. product formulations (i.e. additivation), applications, and performance characteristics. Also, a fundamental knowledge of the manufacture, testing, analysis and applications of polyolefin resins.
• Ability to design experiments and evaluate laboratory and manufacturing data relevant to resin properties & performance.
• Ability to work with a variety of disciplines (i.e. TS&D, Commercial, Manufacturing) and to lead cross‑functional efforts.
• Strong computer skills, communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to think analytically and decisively.