Sr. Compound Engineer - Next Level Talent, LLC

Sr. Compound Engineer
Location: Akron, Ohio
Experience Level: Mid-Senior
Experience Required: 5-15 Years in OEM Compound Development
Education Required: Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
Industry: Automotive
Job Function: Engineering
Relocation Assistance: Yes
Visa Sponsorship: Not Eligible

Job Summary

Join a dynamic team as a Sr. Compound Engineer, driving innovation and excellence in the development and optimization of tire compounds for OEM and customer applications. This role focuses on material science, sustainability, and collaboration across global teams to achieve superior performance and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Compound Development:
  • Design and develop new compounds to meet and exceed OEM performance standards.
  • Optimize existing compounds to maintain high-quality performance.
  • Conduct forensic analysis of materials and products to improve outcomes.
• Research & Innovation:
  • Design and lead laboratory studies to evaluate and implement advanced compound technologies.
  • Identify and integrate new sustainable materials into product development.
• Collaboration & Support:
  • Partner with cross-functional teams on OEM and replacement projects.
  • Communicate directly with global R&D centers to align on standards and technologies.
  • Provide on-site support for compound development and processing at manufacturing plants.
• Industry Engagement:
  • Stay updated on and contribute to regulatory standards and sustainability efforts in the tire industry.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Technical Expertise:
  • In-depth knowledge of polymers, fillers, reinforcements, and compounding science.
  • Familiarity with tire design, standards, and OEM product development.
  • Understanding of plant processes including mixing, extrusion, calendaring, and curing.
  • Proficiency in statistical design of experiments.
• Collaboration & Travel:
  • Proven ability to work with cross-functional and international teams.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (passport required).
• Personal Attributes:
  • Self-driven, dynamic, and focused on achieving high-quality results.
  • Lean and quality-focused approach with a commitment to on-time delivery.