ADTS Engineer, MBS

Basic Function

The LyondellBasell (LYB) Advanced Polymers Solutions (APS) organization provides Plastic Compound Solutions for Customer Applications in the US/CAN Region. The Application Development and Technical Service (ADTS) Engineer is responsible for providing focused technical support to our customers regarding the processing and performance of supplied products. The ADTS Engineer, MBS (Masterbatch Solutions) reports to the ADTS Director, USCAN.

The primary focus of the ADTS Engineer - MBS will be on internal and customer interaction but is not limited to senior-level competence surrounding all aspects of primary and secondary [downstream] plastic and ancillary processing, tooling, part design, and material selection capabilities. The Engineer also assists in developing new applications with new and existing plastic compound solutions and will gather market trend information to support LYB's technical innovation and value-creation efforts. The position will be based at our Akron Technical Center, serving our Masterbatch customer base, but can potentially be a virtual office in the US/CAN region. #LI-TF1

Roles & Responsibilities

• This role works directly with customers to support LYB business via multiple conversion processes and knowledge of primary and secondary downstream operations, part design, process optimization, tooling issues, troubleshooting, root cause analysis and corrective actions, cost savings recommendations, and new application program launches.
• Must work with LYB Sales Account Managers to achieve LYB business plans (current business) and recent business awards (future growth) at assigned customers. 
• Excellent communication skills are needed to document weekly call reports and customer visits, process trial summaries, and internally convey customer requests and resin needs.
• Must demonstrate the ability and desire to work independently with limited direct supervision and be self-motivated.
• Commit to GoalZERO Safety to advance our safety culture.
• Comply with all LYB’s requirements and policies related to business ethics and code of conduct.
• Exercise product risk management related to ADTS activities (e.g., technical recommendations), Product Stewardship and Regulatory affairs.
• Provide technical service to customers as required to support product/application launch and ongoing business in the following areas:
  • Directly troubleshoot applications with process and tooling concerns at customer plant locations.
  • Cost-savings or process optimization opportunities; clarify technical and commercial requirements for new applications; suggest suitable products that provide value to the application.
  • Develop customer and competitor profiles.
  • Provide data for identification of new product needs and end-use segments.
  • Support newly awarded programs with part design, tooling suggestions, material trial support, and product recommendations.
  • Assist in the growth of APS business unit by identifying and influencing share-shift opportunities and promoting future program awards.
  • Participate/present customer workshops (Lunch-and-Learns) as required.
• Assist in the validation of compound product transfers or product rationalization.
• Identify, research, and validate new application development opportunities aligned with the business unit growth strategy that provides our customers with technical innovation and value creation.
• Participate with global teams to ensure the implementation of global strategies.
• Participate in industry trade conferences to keep current on market knowledge and trends and professional development.
• Support Plant Quality, Sales, and Product Application Development Team in quality claims internally or externally.
• Adhere to LYB’s requirements of intellectual property and product stewardship.
• Support LYB’s Prohibitive/Restricted Medical Policy; act as the Medical Focal Point for MBS.
• Any other duties assigned to achieve growth (LYB’s EBITDA goals).

Minimum Qualifications

• A four-year college degree is required in plastics/polymer engineering, chemical, or mechanical engineering. 
• 8+ years of experience in a technical environment (R&D, Manufacturing, Application Development, and Plastic Processing, including troubleshooting, product/process training, and part/tool design) preferred. 
• Fluent in English (additional language a plus).
• Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine correspondence effectively, and speak fluently with internal and external customers.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time required as business needs dictate.
• Valid driver's license.
• Passport for international travel.

Additional Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Self-motivated; ability to work independently, delivering results with limited supervision; prioritizing customer scheduling. 
• Technical expertise with polymer processing and troubleshooting methods. Specific experience in Film Extrusion (e.g., blow, cast, and oriented) is preferred for multilayer flexible packaging (i.e., BOPP, BOPE, and MOPE are a requirement). Experience with additive masterbatches is important.
• Knowledge of other plastic conversion processes e.g., injection molding, blow molding, and profile/sheet extrusion, a plus).
• Ability to analyze problems quickly, discover the root cause, develop an approach for responding to them, and summarize effectively; to multitask in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and work under pressure within tight deadlines.
• Deliver new products for the successful growth of the plastics market; assist in product development efforts.
• Good interpersonal skills, open to listening and sharing experiences, effectively communicating project goals/objectives, collaborating, and maintaining good working relationships with co-workers in cross-functional teams.
• Strong computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Salesforce).
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Mechanical and mathematical aptitude. 
• Have a basic understanding of plastic compound properties, performance, and characteristics.
• Understand process differences between various polymers and their additives.
• Understanding spectrophotometers as they relate to color is a plus.
• Knowledge of FDA food regulations related to packaging materials.
• Familiarity with plastics testing, characterization, and analytical analysis techniques.
• Experience in color theory, measurement, and instrumentation and the ability to explain color concepts, including special effects and mass coloration. 
• Knowledge of various pigments, dyes, and additives.
• Ability to work directly with Customers, Sales Account Managers, and New Business Development to clarify technical and commercial requirements for new applications and make suitable product recommendations.
• Ability to build broad and diverse relationships with assigned customers. 
• Ability to perform a competitive benchmark SWOT analysis (i.e., Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats).
• Accredited Six Sigma Green or Black Belt a plus.

Competencies