Daramic Career Opportunities
Do you have Bachelors and 8 years work experience, a MS degree and 5 years experience or a PHD and 3 years work experience with R&D Process /Product Development?
Do you have experience with any of the following: extrusion, polymers, lead-acid batteries, formulations/compounding, web handling, tension control, calendering, testing & validation.
Are you able to travel up to 30% of the time, with 10%-15% of that being international?
Please note that this position is no longer available.
If you would like to be considered for similar opportunities now or in the future, feel free to apply and/or set up a notifier for yourself.
Senior Research and Development Process Engineer
KY - Owensboro
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Make an Impact Working with Multiple Plants & Customers on the Developing New Separator Products for Lead-Acid Batteries

Prime opportunity to build a progressive career with an innovative global industry leader.

If you are a proven R&D professional who combines strong product and process management experience with knowledge of polymer extrusion and processing, the role of Senior Research and Development Process Engineer could be your ideal opportunity. You will work on projects and with plants across the globe on the development and commercialization of new products built specifically to meet clients' needs. Your primary goal will be to rapidly commercialize new products and processes in line with company / customer launch plans. Consider a few of the advantages of joining our team: For over 85 years, Daramic, LLC has led the way in developing new and innovative technology for the lead acid battery market. With headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA— Daramic supplies high-performance polyethylene and phenolic resin battery separators to the lead acid battery industry. Daramic is part of Polypore International, a leading global high technology company specializing in microporous membranes. Polypore brings advanced development and manufacturing know-how as well as unique problem-solving capabilities to customers' lithium-ion and lead acid battery development teams. Polypore is an Asahi Kasei Group company, which is a diversified group of companies led by holding company Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the material, homes, and health care business sectors.

Pictured: Many of Daramic's high-performance polyethylene battery separators are designed for starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) in lead-acid battery applications, such as automobiles, trucks and motorcycles.

The Requirements

To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. In addition, to be a good fit for the Senior Research and Development Process Engineer opportunity, you will have:
  • A bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science or similar and 8+ years of relevant professional experience; or a master's degree and 5+ years of experience; or a Ph.D. and 3+ years of experience  Quick question for you - click here
  • Experience working with global teams
  • Experience with polymer extrusion and processing
  • Basic knowledge of chemistry and engineering principles
  • Strong data and statistical analysis skills
  • Ability to follow and write:
    • Detailed procedures for the operation of lab and pilot equipment
    • Clear trial plans and project plans to set milestones and ensure projects are delivered on time
  • Outstanding troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Project management skills
  • Experience with several or all of the following:
    • Web handling & tension control
    • Calendering
    • Formulations / compounding
    • Lead-acid batteries
    • Hypothesis testing and validation  Quick question for you - click here
  • Well-developed communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to interact effectively with Operations, Sales and Marketing
  • Excellent presentation skills with the ability to present new product or process upgrades and project results
  • Solid computer skills, including MS Office Suite, including strong Excel (e.g. pivot tables, formulas, etc.) and PowerPoint ability
  • Ability to travel approximately 25%-30%, including 10%-15% international travel  Quick question for you - click here
  • Leadership experience preferred
  • Patent experience preferred
This position is based in our Owensboro, Kentucky plant but you may communicate with and travel to plants around the world. 

The Role

Opportunity Snapshot
Reporting to the Director, R&D Process Development, as Senior Research and Development Process Engineer, you will be responsible for project assignments utilizing the principles and technology of chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and related sciences. Your primary goal will be to rapidly develop new separator products for lead-acid batteries in order to meet the needs of our clients. You will work both as an individual and as a team player on global teams.

Role Details
In this project-centric position, you will drive projects from ideation through commercialization. You'll take point during the preproduction phase, working with Marketing; leverage your technical skills liaising with the pilot plant; and have your "boots on the ground" in plants around the world (e.g. Indiana, Thailand, France, India, China, etc.) as manufacturing ramps up. You may work with operators, plant managers, and other personnel, to enforce corrective action as needed, and to ensure job expectations are met and enforced. facilitate effective environmental, safety and quality management systems.

Specifically, you will:
  • Evaluate the potential and practicality of products in development and rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
  • Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Bring a strong process orientation to manage and coordinate the transition from product development to final production
  • Direct Technicians in the Lab and Pilot Plant to define process capability and evaluate process options
  • Participate in Plant Trials (comfortable working with Manufacturing, Quality, & Customer Tech Svc) to demonstrate and commercialize new products and processes
  • Assure that product launches are fully planned, documented and communicated within the company, preparing records of research findings and progress reports to keep management informed
  • Identify new equipment and capital requirements when required to achieve NPD or business goals
  • Work with suppliers, and raw materials manager, to agree on key quality parameters for raw materials
  • Conduct vendor trials, when needed, to evaluate and select equipment for new processes
  • Accept and assume new responsibilities as identified, needed and assigned
Additionally, in the areas of Safety and Quality, you will
  • Understand and comply with the environmental policy, safety and health rules, relevant procedures and requirements of the EMS (Environmental Management System), and programs established by the company.
  • Understand the environmental impacts associated with their work activities and the environmental benefits of improved personal performance.
  • Understand their role in achieving conformance with the environmental policy, relevant procedures, and the requirements of the EMS, including preparedness and response.
  • Understand the potential consequences of deviation from specified operating procedures. Immediately report any accidents and release to the Supervisor.
  • Recognize that adhering to job responsibilities and procedures regarding environmental, health and safety is a condition of employment.
  • Comply with all environmental, safety, and health rules, policies, and programs established by the company to the extent of training received.
  • Establish meaningful and measurable quality objectives that are subject to regular management review.
  • Use of a quality management system that is primarily based on prevention rather than detection.
  • Continued improvement of processes at all levels of the organization
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

More Good Reasons

Excellent Compensation
In addition to competitive compensation, Daramic offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation and holidays, medical, dental, vision and other insurance options, an Employee Assistance Program and more. 

Professional Development
Our processes and products are unique, so even coming in with a good deal of talent and experience, you're bound to add to your skill-set. You'll have ample opportunities to learn.

Drive Your Success
If you've got the hunger and runway for success, you'll find opportunities with Daramic and our parent and sister companies. You will be able to demonstrate your talent, leverage creative thinking, and make your mark here. We strive to create an environment where all of our employees can work to their top potential and feel good knowing they are making an impact daily. Whether your goal is to grow and thrive in this role for years to come, or you have your eyes on future advancement, Daramic will provide the foundation you need to excel.

Owensboro, Kentucky
Named as a Top 20 Southern City and an All-American City by the National Civic League, Owensboro is the 4th largest city in Kentucky and a great place to raise a family and/or build a life. We enjoy a below average cost of living (84.70, based on the U.S. average of 100) including reasonable housing prices, a strong community with events and activities including the BBQ Festival, concerts in the park, the sports center / Moreland Park complex, the Ben Hawes Golf Course and more, and strong educational offerings including K-12, a junior college and two private universities. We sit on the beautiful banks of the Ohio River and are just 100 miles from Louisville. We think you'll enjoy it here. It's a place where you can work and thrive!

Pictured: Production and Quality - Before products are shipped, several physical and chemical measurements are performed throughout the process. Annually, over 10,000 certificates of analysis are prepared, checked and sent to customers. More than 250 samples are produced annually to support our customer's product development, cost reduction initiatives or target new applications.

Keys to Success

To excel in this role, you'll be self-motivated and creative in bringing fresh ideas. Additionally, you will be an outstanding communicator through every step of the process and proactive and energetic in your approach. Naturally, you'll have KPIs in key areas, but your success will also be measured in how well you work with local and global teams, handle challenges, multiple priorities, and more. While your technical knowledge will be essential, these other qualities are just as important:
  • An unwavering commitment to safety
  • A collaborative approach and bias toward quality
  • A proactive drive for continuous improvement
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Excellent organization and time management skills to take on daily demands
  • Eagerness and ability to take responsibility and solve problems without a lot of oversight
  • A sense of urgency and pride in completing projects and meeting deadlines
  • The drive to learn and improve throughout your tenure

About Us

For over 85 years, Daramic, LLC has led the way in developing new and innovative technology for the lead-acid battery market. With headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA—Daramic today supplies high-performance polyethylene and phenolic resin battery separators to the lead-acid battery industry.

As a global leader, Daramic operates 10 manufacturing facilities. Each facility is strategically located, ensuring continuity of supply, short lead times and fast service. In the USA, our plants in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Corydon, Indiana, serve North, Central and South America. Our facilities in Selestat, France and Norderstedt, Germany serve our European customers. Daramic serves the Asia/Pacific Region through our plants in Bangalore, Baddi, & Gujarat, India; Tianjin and Xiangyang, China; and Prachinburi, Thailand.

Daramic is also committed to delivering unsurpassed expertise in advanced separator technology. Our Center of Innovation in Owensboro, Kentucky, is the central hub for our scientists, industry experts and service technicians – all of whom have valuable industry-specific experience. Our team—combined with state-of-the-art product development, material analysis, pilot manufacturing and testing facilities—can serve as an extended resource for your technical team. Whether it’s designing a new battery separator, customizing products to meet specific needs, or providing assistance with field support, Daramic’s Center of Innovation is available to you.

All told, our global infrastructure, localized manufacturing and industry-leading technical service and support all provide you with peace of mind—knowing that Daramic is there to meet your needs with high-performance products and the best value in the industry.

Make an Impact Working with Multiple Plants & Customers on the Developing New Separator Products for Lead-Acid Batteries

Prime opportunity to build a progressive career with an innovative global industry leader.

If you are a proven R&D professional who combines strong product and process management experience with knowledge of polymer extrusion and processing, the role of Senior Research and Development Process Engineer could be your ideal opportunity. You will work on projects and with plants across the globe on the development and commercialization of new products built specifically to meet clients' needs. Your primary goal will be to rapidly commercialize new products and processes in line with company / customer launch plans. Consider a few of the advantages of joining our team: For over 85 years, Daramic, LLC has led the way in developing new and innovative technology for the lead acid battery market. With headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA— Daramic supplies high-performance polyethylene and phenolic resin battery separators to the lead acid battery industry. Daramic is part of Polypore International, a leading global high technology company specializing in microporous membranes. Polypore brings advanced development and manufacturing know-how as well as unique problem-solving capabilities to customers' lithium-ion and lead acid battery development teams. Polypore is an Asahi Kasei Group company, which is a diversified group of companies led by holding company Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the material, homes, and health care business sectors.

Pictured: Many of Daramic's high-performance polyethylene battery separators are designed for starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) in lead-acid battery applications, such as automobiles, trucks and motorcycles.

The Requirements

To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. In addition, to be a good fit for the Senior Research and Development Process Engineer opportunity, you will have:
  • A bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science or similar and 8+ years of relevant professional experience; or a master's degree and 5+ years of experience; or a Ph.D. and 3+ years of experience  Quick question for you - click here
  • Experience working with global teams
  • Experience with polymer extrusion and processing
  • Basic knowledge of chemistry and engineering principles
  • Strong data and statistical analysis skills
  • Ability to follow and write:
    • Detailed procedures for the operation of lab and pilot equipment
    • Clear trial plans and project plans to set milestones and ensure projects are delivered on time
  • Outstanding troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Project management skills
  • Experience with several or all of the following:
    • Web handling & tension control
    • Calendering
    • Formulations / compounding
    • Lead-acid batteries
    • Hypothesis testing and validation  Quick question for you - click here
  • Well-developed communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to interact effectively with Operations, Sales and Marketing
  • Excellent presentation skills with the ability to present new product or process upgrades and project results
  • Solid computer skills, including MS Office Suite, including strong Excel (e.g. pivot tables, formulas, etc.) and PowerPoint ability
  • Ability to travel approximately 25%-30%, including 10%-15% international travel  Quick question for you - click here
  • Leadership experience preferred
  • Patent experience preferred
This position is based in our Owensboro, Kentucky plant but you may communicate with and travel to plants around the world. 

The Role

Opportunity Snapshot
Reporting to the Director, R&D Process Development, as Senior Research and Development Process Engineer, you will be responsible for project assignments utilizing the principles and technology of chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and related sciences. Your primary goal will be to rapidly develop new separator products for lead-acid batteries in order to meet the needs of our clients. You will work both as an individual and as a team player on global teams.

Role Details
In this project-centric position, you will drive projects from ideation through commercialization. You'll take point during the preproduction phase, working with Marketing; leverage your technical skills liaising with the pilot plant; and have your "boots on the ground" in plants around the world (e.g. Indiana, Thailand, France, India, China, etc.) as manufacturing ramps up. You may work with operators, plant managers, and other personnel, to enforce corrective action as needed, and to ensure job expectations are met and enforced. facilitate effective environmental, safety and quality management systems.

Specifically, you will:
  • Evaluate the potential and practicality of products in development and rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
  • Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Bring a strong process orientation to manage and coordinate the transition from product development to final production
  • Direct Technicians in the Lab and Pilot Plant to define process capability and evaluate process options
  • Participate in Plant Trials (comfortable working with Manufacturing, Quality, & Customer Tech Svc) to demonstrate and commercialize new products and processes
  • Assure that product launches are fully planned, documented and communicated within the company, preparing records of research findings and progress reports to keep management informed
  • Identify new equipment and capital requirements when required to achieve NPD or business goals
  • Work with suppliers, and raw materials manager, to agree on key quality parameters for raw materials
  • Conduct vendor trials, when needed, to evaluate and select equipment for new processes
  • Accept and assume new responsibilities as identified, needed and assigned
Additionally, in the areas of Safety and Quality, you will
  • Understand and comply with the environmental policy, safety and health rules, relevant procedures and requirements of the EMS (Environmental Management System), and programs established by the company.
  • Understand the environmental impacts associated with their work activities and the environmental benefits of improved personal performance.
  • Understand their role in achieving conformance with the environmental policy, relevant procedures, and the requirements of the EMS, including preparedness and response.
  • Understand the potential consequences of deviation from specified operating procedures. Immediately report any accidents and release to the Supervisor.
  • Recognize that adhering to job responsibilities and procedures regarding environmental, health and safety is a condition of employment.
  • Comply with all environmental, safety, and health rules, policies, and programs established by the company to the extent of training received.
  • Establish meaningful and measurable quality objectives that are subject to regular management review.
  • Use of a quality management system that is primarily based on prevention rather than detection.
  • Continued improvement of processes at all levels of the organization
Note: this description is intended to give you a general overview of the position and is not an exhaustive listing of duties and responsibilities.

More Good Reasons

Excellent Compensation
In addition to competitive compensation, Daramic offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation and holidays, medical, dental, vision and other insurance options, an Employee Assistance Program and more. 

Professional Development
Our processes and products are unique, so even coming in with a good deal of talent and experience, you're bound to add to your skill-set. You'll have ample opportunities to learn.

Drive Your Success
If you've got the hunger and runway for success, you'll find opportunities with Daramic and our parent and sister companies. You will be able to demonstrate your talent, leverage creative thinking, and make your mark here. We strive to create an environment where all of our employees can work to their top potential and feel good knowing they are making an impact daily. Whether your goal is to grow and thrive in this role for years to come, or you have your eyes on future advancement, Daramic will provide the foundation you need to excel.

Owensboro, Kentucky
Named as a Top 20 Southern City and an All-American City by the National Civic League, Owensboro is the 4th largest city in Kentucky and a great place to raise a family and/or build a life. We enjoy a below average cost of living (84.70, based on the U.S. average of 100) including reasonable housing prices, a strong community with events and activities including the BBQ Festival, concerts in the park, the sports center / Moreland Park complex, the Ben Hawes Golf Course and more, and strong educational offerings including K-12, a junior college and two private universities. We sit on the beautiful banks of the Ohio River and are just 100 miles from Louisville. We think you'll enjoy it here. It's a place where you can work and thrive!

Pictured: Production and Quality - Before products are shipped, several physical and chemical measurements are performed throughout the process. Annually, over 10,000 certificates of analysis are prepared, checked and sent to customers. More than 250 samples are produced annually to support our customer's product development, cost reduction initiatives or target new applications.

Keys to Success

To excel in this role, you'll be self-motivated and creative in bringing fresh ideas. Additionally, you will be an outstanding communicator through every step of the process and proactive and energetic in your approach. Naturally, you'll have KPIs in key areas, but your success will also be measured in how well you work with local and global teams, handle challenges, multiple priorities, and more. While your technical knowledge will be essential, these other qualities are just as important:
  • An unwavering commitment to safety
  • A collaborative approach and bias toward quality
  • A proactive drive for continuous improvement
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Excellent organization and time management skills to take on daily demands
  • Eagerness and ability to take responsibility and solve problems without a lot of oversight
  • A sense of urgency and pride in completing projects and meeting deadlines
  • The drive to learn and improve throughout your tenure

About Us

For over 85 years, Daramic, LLC has led the way in developing new and innovative technology for the lead-acid battery market. With headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA—Daramic today supplies high-performance polyethylene and phenolic resin battery separators to the lead-acid battery industry.

As a global leader, Daramic operates 10 manufacturing facilities. Each facility is strategically located, ensuring continuity of supply, short lead times and fast service. In the USA, our plants in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Corydon, Indiana, serve North, Central and South America. Our facilities in Selestat, France and Norderstedt, Germany serve our European customers. Daramic serves the Asia/Pacific Region through our plants in Bangalore, Baddi, & Gujarat, India; Tianjin and Xiangyang, China; and Prachinburi, Thailand.

Daramic is also committed to delivering unsurpassed expertise in advanced separator technology. Our Center of Innovation in Owensboro, Kentucky, is the central hub for our scientists, industry experts and service technicians – all of whom have valuable industry-specific experience. Our team—combined with state-of-the-art product development, material analysis, pilot manufacturing and testing facilities—can serve as an extended resource for your technical team. Whether it’s designing a new battery separator, customizing products to meet specific needs, or providing assistance with field support, Daramic’s Center of Innovation is available to you.

All told, our global infrastructure, localized manufacturing and industry-leading technical service and support all provide you with peace of mind—knowing that Daramic is there to meet your needs with high-performance products and the best value in the industry.
Daramic is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department at chodge@engage2excel.com.
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