Research Engineer

Crafco has an opening for a Research Engineer at our corporate headquarters in Phoenix, AZ.

The Research Engineer is responsible for research, formulation development, production instructions, and specification conformance of asphaltic and pavement materials, emulsion and modified asphalt coatings, adhesives, RTV silicones and other assigned Crafco products, and providing technical support for sales and marketing. The Research Engineer has responsibility for investigation of alternate raw material sources for use in manufacturing processes and development of new products.

Extensive understanding of specifications for products assigned and for raw materials and use characteristics is required. The Research Engineer will require a research-oriented mindset, skills in experimental methods and experimental design, and a data-driven approach to solving material and product performance problems.

This position offers a competitive salary rate with an excellent benefits package including:
Profit Sharing, Matching 401(k), Health, Life, Disability, Dental, Vision, Holiday, Personal & Sick pay, Maternity/Paternity leave and more!

Specific

Duties include:

• Formulation development and specification conformance of asphaltic and pavement materials, coatings, adhesives and silicone products.
• Working with the product development group on research projects across Crafco's product portfolio, including asphalt, coating, roofing, pavement preservation, adhesives and silicone products.
• Issuing and updating raw material specifications, production formulations, manufacturing instructions for assigned products and all checklist documentation.
• Adjustment of product formulations as required to maintain production of in-specification materials at the lowest cost consistent with quality, performance and sustainability objectives.
• Working with product engineers and managers on monitoring of raw materials characteristics used in production and adjustments of product formulas as required to maintain uniform product characteristics.
• Providing technical assistance to other company functions regarding use and application of assigned products.
• Communication with vendors regarding raw materials of use in Crafco products.
• Monitoring of specification conformance of assigned products in conjunction with Quality Assurance Manager.
• Planning and coordinating experimental analyses of raw materials, manufacturing methods, and finished products for use in developing formulations, manufacturing instructions and procedures. Designing controlled experiments, analyzing data statistically, and using results to support technical decisions and product improvements.
• Planning and coordinating research activities involved with development of assigned products. Owning projects from problem definition through laboratory evaluation, field or production validation, and implementation, with clear objectives, milestones and timely communication of progress and risks.
• Performing laboratory testing and evaluations in a safe, accurate and consistent manner in accordance with specifications.
• Stay current with relevant technical literature, standards and advances in rheology and materials testing. Develop or adapt test methods as needed, establish repeatability and relevance to intended use, and document procedures for consistent use by other teams.
• Occasionally represent Crafco at technical meetings, conferences and industry committees, presenting research findings clearly and communicating relevant technical developments to internal teams.
• Maintain appropriate records and files of data, instructions, and procedures in the Materials Engineering Filing System, including traceable test conditions, results, analyses and technical conclusions.
• Timeliness of performing required functions.
• Must keep equipment clean and in good working condition.
• Must keep work area clean and organized.
• Cooperation with other employees in the department and the company regarding performance of assigned duties and other company activities. Demonstrate selfless leadership by putting team and company goals first, sharing knowledge and credit, supporting colleagues, and taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a BS degree or equivalent experience in a science or engineering field (chemistry, physics, materials or polymer science, chemical, civil or petroleum engineering, or a related field).
• Minimum of three years' experience or equivalent with formulation, evaluation…