Lead Technical Service Engineer Job

Arkema in King of Prussia, PA is looking for a Lead Technical Service Engineer to work within a Research and Development (R&D) team.  The position will be responsible for providing technical service to new and existing customers, and will also initiate and lead new product/application development projects.  As a Lead TS Engineer, you will manage the customer interface at key accounts with sales and provide technical solutions to our customers in both written and verbal form. Specific technical responsibilities include using design of experiment techniques to plan and then participate in polymer processing trials either internally or at customer’s facilities, and analyze and communicate the experimental results.  You will also use your knowledge of the industry, applications, and customer needs/requirements to develop new innovative products in conjunction with the rest of the R&D team.  Multiple customer projects or programs must be managed concurrently.  The Lead TS Engineer will be a key liaison between customers and other functions within the global business, as a result will have an opportunity to influence business strategy.  The position has significant internal and external visibility, and networking requirements within Arkema’s R&D community, customers, and other industry groups.  It also has potential for growth within the global team or other groups within Arkema depending upon the person’s interests. 

Arkema is globally recognized for acrylic additives for various thermoplastic and thermoset polymers including, PVC, PC, PC alloys, bioresins, MMA and epoxy adhesives and composites.  This position supports the continued growth of this business by leading technical support activities to new and existing customers, as well as leading the application development and commercialization of new product development projects.  The Senior TS Engineer will also collaborate globally with colleagues in technical, commercial, and manufacturing roles.

• Up to 30% travel required, mostly within NA. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Lead TS and application development projects at key accounts.  Provide innovative solutions to meet customer needs by supplying technical information in the form of product and process recommendations. 
• Initiates new product development projects.  Leads project teams, and coordinates with global R&D, business and manufacturing teams, using input from customers, the industry, and knowledge of the targeted application.  Collaborates with management to set program direction and timelines.
• Partners with sales to visit key customers.  Provide product information and training to customers on Arkema’s products and other technical topics. 
• Plan laboratory studies using design of experiment techniques in Arkema labs and participate in polymer processing trials at customer’s facilities to support customer needs and development/commercialization of new technologies. Conduct data analysis on experimental results and communicate results both verbally and in presentations and reports.
• Promote Arkema technology within the Plastic Additives industry.  Networks and actively participates in industry organizations with presentations/publications made regularly. 
• Provide regular updates of projects through monthly reviews/reports, technical reviews, stage-gate reviews to management and the global business.
• Provides technical input and shares knowledge of markets and customers to influence business strategy. 
• Develops a network within Arkema’s technical community to overcome challenges, find solutions and achieve objectives. 
• Manage multiple projects/programs concurrently.   
• Ensure high level of technical excellence through sound use of scientific principles including design of experiment, critical thought, creative problem solving, analytical thinking, open and honest communication of best practices. 
• Ensures safe laboratory operations, and participates fully in the King of Prussia safety program.

Required Education/Qualifications/Work Experience: 

• BS degree in Polymer or Chemical Engineering with 10 years of relevant work experience or MS degree with 5 years of relevant work experience, or Ph.D.  required.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in polymer processing, polymer materials application testing, and ASTM standards are a must. 
• Experience in formulating polymeric systems, particularly PVC is a plus.

Demonstrated Competencies: 

• Enthusiasm and excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) are essential to success.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of relationship building collaboration and teamwork.
• Able to work independently and within a team, including willingness to mentor more junior team members.
• Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements. 
• Participates in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema Inc. (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, SafeStart, etc.)
• Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident, or injury incidents.