Compounding Polymer Processing Technician

The Advanced Compounding Technician, Process position will support process development of Celanese’s Santoprene Business Line as it relates to TPV compounding on co-rotating twin screw extrusion and its rubber handling/processing systems. This position is located at the Troy, MI site.

• Independently operate and develop processes for twin screw compounding and execute improvement projects in the Celanese Processing Lab in support of product and process development.  These functions will include drying, blending and compounding raw materials and additives using a variety of process equipment.

• Excellent safety record and fundamental knowledge of pilot plant and or laboratory safety.
• Efficiently build, operate and improve twin screw compounding in a team environment.

• Raw material handling, drying and blending raw material with additives and plasticizers following all protocol listed in blending and compounding instructions.
• Working with and fundamental understanding of positive displacement pumps.
• Document and report optimal methods for material handling and compounding.
• Operating a forklift around tight spaces and throughout the lab.
• Review new product development formulation with understanding of product and raw material consistencies.
• Accurately convert formulation percentages to weights and weigh materials for processing.
• Analyze complex process deficiencies and provide process solutions.
• Execute lab improvement projects – initiate ideas and developing solutions and documenting results (data and conclusions).
• Proficient with equipment modifications, maintenance, and repairs.
• Maintain accurate records through a Workflow Management Database.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment that complies with all safety/health related policies and procedure. Experience with 5S work environment.

• Excellent safety mindset related to the complexities of an industrial setting and the hazards of polymer processing equipment.
• Minimum 5 years intensive experience operating twin screw compounders with a focus on compounding & blending of TPV or other engineering polymers such as PxT, HPN, PA and TPC materials.
• Demonstrated track record of solving process problems with compounding.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude for machine design, fabrication, and assembly.
• Significant mathematical aptitude as it applies to formulations and processing.
• Strong skills with applications such as Microsoft Excel.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and commitment to teamwork.
• Forklift driving experience and certification or equivalent.
• This job requires working 8 hour shifts Monday-Friday and limited overtime , working in confined spaces around 300-788 degree F extrusion equipment, working at elevated heights, regular climbing of stairs, regular crouching, ability to wear a full or partial respirator to protect against dust and fumes, frequent lifting of 55 lb. bags (floor to chest), frequent walking, standing and reaching in front of body, and frequent climbing on/off fork-lift  

Desired:

• Working knowledge of systematic/scientific processing
• Detailed operational experience of Coperion lab scale extruders specifically twin screw extruders, running K-Vision control and Ktron gravimetric feeders and metering pumps
• Associates Degree with process control training and experience
• Basic Statistics – design of experiments
• Working level with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with rubber granulators, blenders, sophisticated process control and computers
• Experience with equipment maintenance (electrical and/or mechanical), working with tracked PM scheduler is a plus.