About The Role

We are seeking an experienced R&D Engineer with strong fundamentals in polymer composites interested in advancing their career within Avient’s Advanced Composites Group. The R&D Engineer is responsible for the research and development of polymer composites that create value for our customers in new and existing markets, including emerging applications in energy, infrastructure, and transportation. Successful candidates will be creative and impactful within a team environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Actively interface with business and technology leaders to develop custom solutions and / or processes adhering to customer specifications, quality requirements, and operational goals and standards.
Contribute to product platform development through the application of statistical experimental design, product testing, and data analysis.
Participate in product development with industry marketing and application development to deliver state-of-the-art solutions that align with Avient innovation strategy.
Perform literature and patent searches to guide experimentation and actively contribute to advancing Avient intellectual property through patent filing and documentation of trade secrets.
Partner with process engineering and operations teams to develop test methods and establish quality controls for new materials / processes as well as drive key projects improving product portfolio profitability.
Summarize experimental strategies and data analysis in written reports and presentations for communication with peers, customers, and various levels of management.

Education and Experience

B.S in relevant engineering fields (Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Science, Aerospace)
MS/Ph.D. (preferred) in composite/structural materials, polymers, fracture-mechanics, materials processing.

Additional Qualifications and skills

2-4 years of experience in manufacturing and processing polymer composites such as LFT, UD Tapes, GMT, compression molding, injection molding, pre-pregs, RTM, pultrusion etc.
Versed in material characterization using physical testing such as tensile, flexure, and shear.
Familiar with rheology testing and material characterization using thermal analysis like DSC, DMA, TGA.
Proficient in understanding engineering drawings and familiarity with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Demonstrated project management capability.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
Motivated/self-starter with a passion to succeed.

Avient Corporation is a drug free workplace. Avient is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran’s status, or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law.