Research & Support Engineer (Principal Engineer)

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The Research & Support Engineer provides technical support to Westlake’s PE resins.  This position provides experience and technical knowledge regarding resins including development, optimization, and characterization.  This position works and collaborates with the Research & Support’s Polymer Labs and the Applications Lab.  The functional role of the Research & Support Engineer generally requires polymer and polymer performance characterization (e.g. rheology, structure & morphology, properties, etc.).

In the role of Research & Support Engineer, the expertise of the Principal Engineer also includes acquired knowledge and expertise in PE resins incl. e.g. resin design, applications, “CTQs”, and manufacturing.  The Principal Engineer is an experienced researcher who can work independently as a principal investigator and/or direct others as a project leader.  This person must work directly with stakeholders to respond to complex technical problems.  They utilize a high level of expertise & judgment to analyze data, and plan and execute projects.  Challenges will include product development, plant & customer support (e.g. problem-solving, optimization, competitive analysis), and new innovation.

This position will regularly interact with key stakeholders, including TS&D, Process & Catalyst Support, Commercial, Manufacturing, and customers.  A high level of communication is required, including reports, presentations, etc. and also to effectively communicate to management.  This position requires handling multiple projects, and contributes ideas to progress current projects and to keep PE resources up-to-date and to initiate new innovation in the field of polymer & polymer performance characterization, and PE resins.

As an experienced contributor the Principal Engineer will act as a facilitator to develop and maintain key relationships, to ensure that projects progress effectively, and that objectives and resources are focused on PE business needs and goals.  This includes setting an example for others, and mentoring, coaching, or instructing their colleagues and less-experienced researchers with projects work.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 opportunit