Lab Manager

Job Summary

The Technology Manager is responsible for leading a team of scientists, engineers and technicians to design, develop, and improve custom polymer compounds. This is accomplished by working closely with the sales and marketing teams to identify and prioritize development opportunities that will further drive the growth of specialty formulations. Leads a team to formulate compounds to meet customers’ requirements with respect to mechanical properties, electrical properties, flame resistance, flow, surface appearance, shrinkage etc., and requires effective resource utilization and team management. Eight plus years direct relevant experience with the ability to interact, present and influence cross functionally and globally both internally and externally with customers. Performs independently and effectively coaches others to achieve results in a matrix environment. Demonstrated ability to influence at the peer level as well as the next level in the organization.

Also responsible of Quality oversight as quality teams report to Technology Manager.  Complaint management, Root Cause, ISO and QMS experience is preferred.

Essential Functions

Develop innovative solutions that position Avient as the leading specialty solutions provider for customers.

Partner internally and externally to innovate new technologies and penetrate strategic markets to solve customer problems.

Create value for customers through value-added services such as tool design and mold flow analysis and optimization of processes and manufacturability.

Manage innovation portfolios, technology plans and resources consistently with business unit priorities.

Effectively deploy idea generation and management, POL process, project management, design of experiments, DLFSS, and other technology tools.

Drive a culture of innovation through creativity, cooperation, collaboration, and engagement.

Achieve target vitality index metrics.

Plan, direct, and co-ordinate product development functions independently.

Modify existing formulation without compromising existing properties.

Formulate compounds to meet customers’ requirements with respect to mechanical properties, electrical properties, flame resistance, UV stability, flow, surface appearance, shrinkage, etc.

Coordinate with other Avient sites for technology transfers where necessary.

Maintain and protect all formulations developed, as well as all formulations transferred from other Avient sites.

Coordinate with Process/Product Translation/Production Department for production scale-up.

Assist the Process/Product Translation/Production Department for process trouble-shooting and process improvements where necessary.

Understand and select appropriate raw materials including base resin, fillers, flame retardants, stabilizers, lubricants, etc. to achieve the required compound properties and applications.

Source new raw materials for product development purposes.

Plan raw material cost saving programs through collaboration with Purchasing, Product, Production and Sales Departments where appropriate.

Partner effectively with product stewardship and testing requirements.

Define, approve, and guide R&D projects to drive formulation development of specialty polymer compounds.

Provide technical leadership through mentoring, training, and coaching to balance short-term product customization and mid-term product development.

Interact globally to facilitate product translation with technical teams in Europe and Asia.

Effectively network with other technical and marketing teams within Avient to generate and exploit new ideas and opportunities.

Lead the team to support marketing & sales through development of product and application data, as well as support manufacturing to establish quality and testing conditions for new materials.

Advocate a strong safety and performance culture and attitude within the team.

Who We Are

Avient Corporation provides specialized and sustainable material solutions that transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world. Examples include:

•Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™, enables unmatched levels of performance and protection for end-use applications, including ballistic personal protection, marine and sustainable infrastructure and outdoor sports 

•Unique technologies that improve the recyclability of products and enable recycled content to be incorporated, thus advancing a more circular economy  

•Light-weighting solutions that replace heavier traditional materials like metal, glass and wood, which can improve fuel efficiency in all modes of transportation and reduce carbon footprint 

•Sustainable infrastructure solutions that increase energy efficiency, renewable energy, natural resource conservation and fiber optic / 5G network accessibility

Avient employs approximately 10,000 associates and is certified ACC Responsible Care®, a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and certified Great Place to Work®.  For more information, visit www.avient.com.

Why Avient

Avient Corporation is a world-class sustainable organization built on innovation, collaboration, and employee development. We are committed to providing a supportive and dynamic work environment where our diverse associates can grow and succeed, as well positively impacting our planet and the communities we serve. Our Great Place to Work culture, values, and benefits make Avient an employer of choice for top talent.

We believe diversity of ideas and backgrounds gives us the creativity to be successful in a rapidly changing world. In support of this, we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Decisions on hiring, promotion, development, compensation or advancement are based solely on a person’s qualifications, abilities, experience and performance.

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.