Polymer Technician

The Company

The world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for industry with 14,000 employees, operations in more than 40 countries, and €4.3 billion in revenue in 2022.

Imerys delivers high-value-added, functional solutions to a great number of sectors, from processing industries to consumer goods. The Group draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge and expertise in material science to deliver solutions by beneficiating its mineral resources, synthetic minerals and formulations. Imerys’ solutions contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance, including heat resistance, hardness, conductivity, opacity, durability, purity, lightness, filtration, absorption and water repellency. Imerys is determined to develop responsibly, in particular by fostering the emergence of environmentally-friendly products and processes.

If you want to grow your skills and develop your career, find out more at www.imerys.com

The Position

Polymer Technician

Job Summary

Job Summary

Responsible for running polymer processing trials/experiments to support business continuity, new product development, and technical/benchmark studies under the guidance of the technical team. This position supports growth through successful product innovation and customer support.

Job Scope

Position is laboratory-based;
Financial impact through (1) precision of work carried out which ultimately contributes to growth of the business;
Applied research to support the development of the use of minerals in polymers and other applications.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

To conduct polymer processing/fabrication & testing within a framework agreed by the technical team. The work will be focused on compounding minerals into polymers, but may also include the use of minerals in paints/coatings-based applications, and others.

Prepare, mix/dose, pretreat raw material according to the formulations and following the material SDS

Prepare mineral-based formulations, optimise processing conditions for best results, and conduct the tests in accordance with the relevant Imerys and ASTM/ISO methods; assist in analysing and validating the results to ensure that they are free from errors, reviewing and repeating as necessary.

Assist in characterising materials through various internal and or standardised techniques such as Imaging, particle size distribution, rheology, and flame retardancy tests

Document processing and testing results for all experiments with accuracy and attention to detail. Work with technical staff to interpret data and prepare concise and accurate technical summaries/reports/presentations. Work in safe and compliant manner during all activities, within the Imerys Health, Safety and Environmental procedures.

Other Important Functions

Maintenance of polymer and other lab equipment in good working condition and a clean and tidy workplace.
Warehouse Inventory control and Housekeeping (6s)
Raw material allocation/inventory manually and or via Forklift
Travel < 5% (plant/mine visits, training)

Job Specification

Education:

Candidates with an Associate’s degree (STEM preferred)

Experience:

Candidates with 2+ years of hands on R&D related experience and or familiarity with melt compounding, fabrication and ASTM, ISO characterization is a plus

Minimum of -years of related work experience or 3-years with Associates degree (STEM Preferred)

Knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics:

Ability to independently operate, control, troubleshoot and maintain polymer processing and fabrication equipment

Ability to measure material/product performance and record data.

Ability to independently operate,, control, troubleshoot and maintain mechanical testing equipment in accordance to ASTM, ISO standards

Ability to work to deadlines in a safe manner.

Also:

Aptitude and desire to work in a hands-on, R&D environment.

Mechanically inclined, applies technical skills and creativity to solve problems.Enjoys hands-on activities.

Experience with Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides) very helpful or equivalent experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, powerpoint, Excel)

Good oral and written communication skills

Ability to work well in a team atmosphere

Physical Conditions of Employment:

Sitting - 10%

Standing - 70%

Walking - 20%

Talking, hearing, and listening.

Observing/looking on.

Lifting (up to 50 lb bags and drums) and pulling.

Walking

Operating pilot scale processing equipment.

Environmental Conditions of Employment:

The laboratory environment is as safe as can be due to daily inspections. Both working alone and together depending on project requirements. At times, the noise is above the tolerable level, which necessitates the use of muffler and/or ear plugs. Dust is also present in our pilot plant, which is offset by the use of a centralized vacuum system, goggles, and safety glasses.

Clothing/ Device/ Equipment Required to be Used:

Lab Coat, Safety glasses, Hearing protection (Constantly)

Vehicles. (Occasionally)

Machines. (Frequently)

Office equipment. (Frequently)

Hazard Exposure:

Chemical hazard - use of goggles, dust mask, gloves, and ventilation hood if fumes are present.

Electrical hazard - when using machinery and equipment.

Position Type

Full time

and

Permanent

Only technical issues will be monitored through the below inbox:

recruiting.support@ imerys.com

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS TO THIS EMAIL, AS THEY WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.

To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered.

IMERYS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.