Sr. Polymer Processing Engineer
Menlo Park
R&D – Process Development /
Full-Time /
On-site
Novoloop is an emerging leader in plastic circularity, transforming post-consumer plastic waste into the world’s first chemically upcycled performance materials. Novoloop was founded in 2015 and is a venture-backed start-up that has raised $25M to date. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Novoloop is currently scaling up to its first commercial manufacturing facility to use its patented ATOD (Accelerated Thermal Oxidative Decomposition) technology to manufacture performance materials for the footwear, electronics, and automotive industries.
We’re seeking an experienced Sr. Polymer Processing Engineer to bring our innovative technology out of the lab and into commercial operations. You will be responsible for experimental process design and implementation and will work closely with the R&D team and the Director of Engineering. The successful candidate has 7+ years of industry experience, has conducted pilot scale experiments, and understands how to improve process efficiency, reduce cost, and improve sustainability. Experience with reactive extrusion (REX) is an important qualification in this role. Specifically, we prioritize experiences in the polymerization of TPU from its hard and soft segments on a pilot-scale twin-screw REX.
This is a full-time on-site position in Menlo Park, CA, with a competitive salary and stock options. Priority will be given to local applicants with approved status for US employment.
Responsibilities
- Lead the installation of new equipment (i.e. REX) and operate the equipment hands-on
- Provide plastic processing expertise in the development of new products, materials, new technologies, production equipment and processes concerning manufacturing of high performing thermoplastics including polyamides, polyurethanes, etc.
- Correlate material properties to optimized processing conditions for TPU compounding, extrusion and injection molding
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and calibrate equipment
- Coordinate with equipment suppliers and raw material providers to keep equipment running smoothly and projects on schedule
- Operate industry-standard composites processing and testing equipment
- Prepare samples and test plans to evaluate composites performance, including material processability and characterization
- Support any scale-up efforts to go from lab-scale sizing line to a collaboration partner or customer pilot/production line
- Prepare and complete characterization of new materials (primarily thermoplastics) using various equipment and testing capabilities
- Input formulation and test data into our R&D systems and processes (document, computer programs, etc.)
- Scope out any new engineering activity for product, process, and efficiency improvement
- Your time at work will be split into ~80% lab/experimental work | ~20% process design, data analysis, planning, etc.
Qualifications
- PhD in Polymer Processing, Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, or similar, plus at least 7 years of industry experience with hands-on experimental process work. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered.
- Expertise in polymer extrusion (ideally in polyurethane processing), reactive extrusion (REX), compression molding, and injection molding
- Intimate knowledge of thermoplastic injection processing, including speeds, pressures, shot sizes, barrel temperatures, water bath designs, appropriate feeder selection, etc. and their relationship with material properties such as viscosity, bulk density of fiber, fiber weight percentage, resin melt temperatures, melt flow rates, and quality control measurements of outputs
- Experience operating and interpreting polymer characterization techniques (TGA, DSC, DMA, FTIR, etc.)
- Mechanical aptitude to set up and run a lab scale fiber sizing line for customer projects
- Ability to draw conclusions based on a scientist's formulas and an operator's results and provide regular project status updates to all invested parties
- Hands-on approach to problem solving utilizing statistical data analysis and DOEs with a good understanding of latest advances in polymer processing
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience contributing to team technical discussions and presenting results in front of other technical audiences, such as customers
- Experience with project management
- Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
- High self-motivation, initiative, and interpersonal skills
$130,000 - $150,000 a year
Stock options are an important part of the comp package.
Actual compensation offered to the hired applicant will be determined based on their geography, market data, level, qualifications, job-related skills, as well as relevant education or training and experience.
