R&D Applications Engineer

Rd Applications Engineer

Innovate at the forefront of tire and rubber technology!

Masters Students are Encouraged to Apply!

Our client is a private, Akron-based leader in rubber chemical solutions, specializing in high-quality tire additives and comprehensive technical innovation, with a global manufacturing footprint and a strong commitment to performance, collaboration, and sustainability.

Job Description

Leverage a strong foundation in scientific principles and problem-solving skills, combined with intellectual curiosity, to address diverse challenges across multiple product lines. This includes developing structure-property relationships, evaluating how product and process attributes impact customer applications, and recommending improvements to meet evolving needs.

Apply expertise in powders, rheology, rubber, polymer science, physical chemistry, or engineering to enhance understanding of product performance across a range of parameters.

Advance application development by designing and conducting laboratory tests, performing product characterization, and executing targeted experiments.

Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, and sales teams to ensure customer feedback is integrated into product enhancements.

Engage directly with customers through site visits to R&D labs, manufacturing facilities, and operational environments to gain deep insight into their needs and evaluate product performance in real-world conditions.

Lead multidisciplinary project teams and contribute to market intelligence initiatives that guide innovation and strategy.

Collaborate with colleagues to generate ideas, set project goals, define work plans, and establish milestones.

Present findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders across business management, marketing, technology, commercial, and manufacturing functions.

15% Travel

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.

The Successful Applicant

Masters in Chemical/Materials Engineering, or a related discipline required

A problem-solving attitude, broad intellectual curiosity and an ability to learn / combine knowledge from different disciplines to develop understanding of product/application performance

Demonstrated broad working knowledge in a wide range of polymer science skills including structure property relationships, polymer physics, characterization, and polymer testing. Experience with powder rheology is a plus.

Entry to 5 years experience

Experience with standard laboratory methods and safety protocols

Experience in the development of processing-structure-property relationships through systematic experimental design

Strong oral and written communication skills

Independent and driven with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously within a multi-site cross-functional team

What's on Offer

Competitive base salary with annual performance bonus opportunities

Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

401(k) with company match and profit-sharing program

Generous paid time off, including 3 weeks of vacation to start

Professional development and training opportunities

Collaborative, innovation-driven work environment

Opportunities for domestic and international travel

Chance to work on impactful sustainability initiatives in the tire and rubber industry