Product Line Engineer - Functional Fluids

POSITION PURPOSE:  Lead the development of new innovative functional fluids technologies to drive R&D and commercial initiatives while researching novel formulation development & manufacturing techniques to achieve improved performance within relevant areas. Support quality investigations of existing functional fluid formulations to ensure proper root cause is ascertained and work with our quality team to implement proper preventative measures.  Under the supervision of the Chief Technology Officer works to design innovative formulations to achieve novel performance improvements that resolve key issues at the consumer level to differentiate our technology within the global market. The right candidate must show that he/she has the ability to solve problems, collect data while maintaining, at all times, a focus on attention to detail. Additionally, the right individual must have the ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions.

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Is the Technical Project Manager for new product introductions or existing product modifications within the below categories
  • Coolants, Heat Transfer Fluids, and Water Treatment Chemicals
  • Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Lubricants & Diesel Fuel Additives
• Works effectively with cross functional teams to implement new products and or current product changes for improved performances and or cost savings
• Prepares engineering release packets to introduce and implement product changes within our SAP system
• Manage the test plan & timeline for validation of new functional fluids and or changes to existing functional fluid technologies
• Test competitive products
• Develops and validates new test methods with the lab team to improve analysis capability of functional fluids and evaluation of field return samples
• Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
• Prepare samples for customers
• Maintains electronic and paper copies of information pertaining to performed experiments including laboratory notebooks, research reports, and other documents
• Presents data to the commercial and management team 
• Ability to draft technical reports, which will be documented within a technical library
• Support the Product Preceding Technology [PPT] team & technology development process to achieve agreed upon targets
• Other duties as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or equivalent degree in engineering or a related technical or scientific subject required
• 2-5 years’ experience within R&D related to Automotive Functional Fluids Development
• Experience using UHPLC, ICP, IC and GM/MS equipment and methods preferred
• Strong analytical and problem solving ability and self-starter 
• Able to manage multiple projects and varying tasks simultaneously
• A strong team player, able to interact and cooperate with the business and R&D team
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with internal and external customers  
• 1+ years’ experience within R&D focused on corrosion science, corrosion inhibition, and corrosion testing of aqueous and non-aqueous inhibitor systems
• Field experience with good knowledge of quality and process control within a chemical manufacturing environment preferred.
• Six Sigma Green/Black belt certification-preferred
• Some travel required approximately 15-25%