R&D Application Engineer | Chemical

This is an opportunity to play a key role in applied research and innovation for the company's advanced insoluble sulfur technology platform. The role blends hands-on lab work, product development, and customer collaboration, with the chance to see solutions implemented in real-world manufacturing environments.

Client Details

A global leader in rubber chemicals and tire additive technology, this organization specializes in insoluble sulfur, anti-degradants, and stabilizers. With a singular focus on supporting tire and rubber product manufacturers, they deliver solutions that enhance product performance, improve manufacturing efficiency, and strengthen supply chain reliability.

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Apply a fundamentals-based, problem-solving approach to address a range of product and process challenges, developing structure-property relationships and identifying improvements that meet customer needs.

• Utilize expertise in powders, rheology, rubber, or polymer science to evaluate product performance across multiple parameters.

• Conduct laboratory testing, product characterization, and experimentation to support application development.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and technical teams to drive product enhancements from concept to delivery.

• Visit customer sites-including R&D labs and production facilities-to gain a deep understanding of application environments and performance requirements.

• Lead and contribute to multidisciplinary project teams, supporting both technical and market intelligence initiatives.

• Communicate findings clearly to stakeholders across technology, commercial, and manufacturing groups.

Profile

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field.

• 0-5 years of experience in polymer science, materials engineering, or a related discipline.

• Knowledge of structure-property relationships, polymer physics, material characterization, and polymer testing; experience in powder rheology a plus.

• Familiarity with laboratory methods, safety standards, and experimental design.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

• Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple projects in a collaborative, cross-site team environment.

• Willingness to travel approximately 15% within North America.

Job Offer

Retirement & Financial

• 401(k) with at least 6% company match

• Annual profit-sharing contribution

• Relocation assistance (e.g., 2 months' salary upfront or reimbursed expenses)

• Company-paid life insurance & short/long-term disability coverage

Paid Time Off

• 3 weeks vacation to start (increases with tenure)

• 10-12 paid company holidays

• Paid sick leave and personal days

• Paid parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption)

Compensation & Bonus

• Competitive base salary: $85K-$95K for entry-level Master's (higher for relevant experience)

• Annual performance bonus: 8%-12% of base salary

• Merit-based pay reviews

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.