Key Responsibilities
Material Development
- Develop new rubber compounds and formulations to meet specific performance criteria and international and industrial specifications including BIS, SAE, EN, and ISO.
- Lead development activities focusing on NBR, as well as specialized polymers such as SBR, BR, EPDM, CR, CSM, NBR/PVC, CPE, HNBR, and FKM
- Drive formulation innovation to enhance product durability, processability, and customer-specific performance requirements.
- Support the development of next-generation compounds aligned with evolving market and regulatory requirements.
Testing and Analysis
- Establish and institutionalize a rigorous test regime that ensures all new compounds or changes are independently validated against required parameters before being released to production
- Interpret test data and performance results to assess formulation effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
- Establish testing protocols and ensure adherence to industry standards and customer specifications.
- Implement a data-driven approach to testing by establishing baselines with existing compounds to quantifiably prove the improvement (e.g., 30-40% better) of new developments.
Process Optimization
- Lead initiatives to optimize mixing, extrusion, curing, and downstream processing parameters for improved productivity and consistency.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve compound processability, reduce cycle times, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Drive cost optimization through formulation rationalization, material substitution, and yield improvement programs.
- Implement best practices in compounding and processing to maximize plant performance and product quality.
Quality Control
- Provide complete oversight of the NABL lab and its personnel, ensuring all testing aligns with global standards such as ASTM and BIS.
- Define quality standards, specifications, and acceptance criteria for all compounding operations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality management systems.
- Monitor key quality indicators and lead corrective and preventive actions to address deviations.
Troubleshooting
- Provide technical leadership in resolving compound, processing, and product performance-related issues.
- Conduct root cause analysis of manufacturing defects, customer complaints, and quality concerns.
- Develop and implement corrective measures to eliminate recurring process and product issues.
- Support plant operations during critical production challenges and product validation activities.
- Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations related to rubber production
Documentation
- Ensure accurate maintenance of formulation records, technical specifications, development reports, and validation documents.
- Develop and standardize operating procedures, testing methodologies, and quality documentation.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations for management reviews, audits, customer interactions, and project updates.
- Maintain intellectual property, formulation databases, and technical knowledge repositories.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Supply chain, Engineering, and R&D teams to achieve business objectives.
- Partner with customers to understand technical requirements and provide application-focused solutions.
- Mentor and develop technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and operational excellence.
Innovation
- Drive R&D initiatives focused on new compound development, product enhancement, and emerging material technologies.
- Identify opportunities for sustainable and environmentally responsible formulations.
- Benchmark industry trends, competitor technologies, and advancements in rubber to strengthen competitive advantage.
- Lead strategic innovation projects that contribute to business growth, product differentiation, and long-term technology leadership.
Qualification
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Masters degree is preferred
Past Experience
- Experience: 15+ years in rubber technology, formulation and testing
- Proficient in using testing equipment and software related to rubber analysis. Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
- Exposure and experience of working with natural and synthetic rubber
