Senior Research Engineer I

Company: Mj3 Partners, Inc.
Location: Jackson
Posted on: May 12, 2022

Job Description:

Job DescriptionPOSITION QUESTIONNAIRE POSITION TITLE:Sr. Research Engineer IDIVISION/LOCATION:Jackson, MISUPERVISOR TITLE:R&D Manager – New Product Development GENERAL FUNCTIONUnder the supervision of the R&D Manager – New Product Development, the incumbent is responsible for research and project management supporting new product development. This position will facilitate introduction of new gypsum drywall finishing products to market in a safe, efficient, and responsible manner through collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders. The ability to communicate across all levels of the organization will be essential for this role in order to influence others and drive projects to completion. DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research and development on formulations, additives, processes, and applications related to the production of gypsum drywall finishing products.
• Research alternative solutions for raw materials, production equipment and processes, scrap mitigation and logistics, finished goods packaging and transport, etc.
• Validate product performance against industry standards and/or by developing internal criteria and methods of evaluation.
• Help develop new products and improvements to existing products by working with sales, marketing, engineering, and R&D.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and improving best practices for engineering, quality, and production.
• Continuously evaluate workplace for safety concerns and ensure behavioral safety initiatives are performed to goal levels.
• Develop fundamental understanding of application-based needs of products and translates the corresponding CTQs to technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Management of individual projects along with participation and support of other projects within the business.
• Lead and/or participate in cross-functional teams from concept validation to industrialization of new product development projects utilizing Gate process.
• Develop and encourage innovation and Intellectual Property (IP) development and foster IP development through the patent process with legal support.
• Proven ability to work in a production environment, build relationships, and establish support to drive projects forward.
• Utilize sound technical knowledge of materials, processes, techniques, and products to improve on product performance, reduce costs, maximize production, and to support new knowledge research.
• Manage and document projects effectively without supervision by a technical leader.
• Demonstrate open and collaborative approach in all areas of responsibility.
• Seek out others to enhance and streamline development and decision making.
• Able to communicate technically with internal and external collaborators utilizing knowledge to advance projects and identify productive synergies.
• Identify opportunities that could benefit from innovative solutions and work with R&D, operations, and technical teams to develop solutions.
• Provide technical support and assistance for trials, commissioning, and troubleshooting of new technology.
• Responsible for thorough documentation and communication of projects, trial reports, scientific developments, etc.
• Prepare trial plans and lead manufacturing trials.
• Responsible for developing and presenting project progress to all levels of the organization.
• Coordinates work with external suppliers, institutes, and contract laboratories.
  
  MAGNITUDE - Provide monetary figures for the areas most significantly impacted by this position. Items included may be revenues, sales, budgets, purchases, etc. Company/Group/Unit Sales: _____$1.6B___________ Controllable budget: _____N/A _ (Including payroll) Other Significant Measures (please explain)PROBLEM SOLVING - Briefly describe the nature of decision making of problem solving, which is a part of this position. Include the extent to which this position is governed by established practices, rules, regulations, manuals, counsel/advice and independent thinking.This position requires the ability to work independently with all levels and functions of the organization to develop and industrialize new solutions/products. Ability to leverage a competency-based structure in a matrix organization is critical in facilitating collaborative solutions. Strong analytical and data/fact-based approach of troubleshooting and optimization in a team environment is expected.KNOWLEDGE - Indicated the minimum level of formal education and work experience, which is required to carry out the responsibilities of this position. When considering the experience requirement assume that the education standard has been satisfied. Include any special knowledge, certification or license, which is required.
  • BS Degree with a minimum of 6+ years' experience, or MS with 3+ years of experience, or entry level PhD in chemical, material or mechanical engineering field, plus demonstrated technical judgement/accomplishments.
  • Must possess a body of technical work commensurate with their years of experience including but not limited to: demonstration of familiarity with statistical tools, data analysis, and drawing conclusions based on a collection of basic data and interpretation.
  • Previous experience in the field of polymer science, extrusion, and processing is highly desired. Prior experience in drywall finishing industry is a plus.
  • Understanding of project management and project engineering fundamentals is required.
  • Proficiency in CAD, modeling, programming, and design software is preferred.
  • Demonstrates ability to work with colleagues at various levels, network within and out of group, understanding of company policies, and understanding of corporate structure.
  • Respectful communication and ability to collaborate in a team environment required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of HSE.ORGANIZATION CHARTSupervisorPeers: 2 Number Supervised: Direct 0 Indirect Multiple COMMENTS - Indicate any physical/mental demands, which are required to perform this job. Also, briefly include any information relative to the position, which would impact successful job performance. (e.g. nature of internal/external contacts, planning activities, travel requirements)In addition to a regular office and lab environment, this position frequently works within our manufacturing plants and will require physical participation in trials and pre-production manufacturing. Must be capable of wearing personal protective equipment necessary to comply with government and company safety standards. The ability to work with hourly associates as well as skills in presenting information to senior management will be expected. The candidate will be expected to be able to create project schedules and execute actions to complete assignments on those schedules. Travel will be required up to 30% of the time. *Backups for this position will be determined by the manager at the time and under the circumstances the need for a backup is identified.

Keywords: Mj3 Partners, Inc., Ann Arbor , Senior Research Engineer I, Engineering , Jackson, Michigan