R&D Chemist

Company: Blue Star NBR
Location: Wytheville
Posted on: June 25, 2022

Job Description:

Blue Star NBR , a Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) chemical formulation and glove manufacturing company, is currently undergoing construction in Wytheville, VA.
Blue Star NBR will be a fully integrated chemical facility using raw materials developed and formulated onsite to proudly supply American-made medical-grade NBR for use in the production of nitrile examination gloves. Position Description: The R&D Chemist will be required to follow the recipes that are issued by the Technical Manager for batches of emulsion polymers for a new plant being constructed to help re-shore critical medical supplies. This includes an ability to manage, handle, and weigh hazardous raw materials for introduction to a pilot plant reactor. The pilot plant lab will analyze raw material and polymer samples for the pilot plant to support quality control and modification of recipe components or procedures. This individual will conduct and/or direct those sampling and testing procedures and will work to suggest corrective measures to ensure that the reactions progress on the prescribed program profiles. The Lab Chemist may also be asked to direct sampling and testing in the main plant and will need to work proactively with operations staff to troubleshoot process deviations. This includes recipe-defined instructions for purification steps, discharging and preparing the product for distribution. Responsibilities:

• Work with main and pilot plant operations to improve manufacturing processes by performing a comprehensive evaluation of processes, materials, and equipment and identifying areas and methods of improvement
• Ensure consistent high quality of the product by regularly inspecting and monitoring production processes to determine optimal order, method, and timing of operations
• Test components of new processes in laboratory setting, and design pilot projects for next step of small-scale testing; supervise initial processes and make necessary adjustments
• Supervise and direct laboratory technicians and other personnel in conducting research and testing, placing and adjusting equipment and implementing process changes
• Document research process and maintain complete records as necessary for further research and as required by law
• Oversee quality control measures and establish protocols for efficient communication of test and evaluation reports Qualifications: Required:
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
  • Minimum 3-5 years of practical experience, including internships
  • Proven record of creative and effective problem-solving in manufacturing processes
  • Knowledge of laboratory operations
  • Strong communications, judgment, and coaching skills
  • Strong Excel and Word, software skills
  • Strong aptitude for problem analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking
  • Strong organization and planning skills
  • High standards of professional ethics Preferred:
    • Familiarity with polymerization processes
    • Project Management experience
    • Strong knowledge of operating as a PSM facility PI182408145

Keywords: Blue Star NBR, Roanoke , R&D Chemist, Other , Wytheville, Virginia