Research Engineer- Sustainable Polymers

Company: ITW
Location: Glenview
Posted on: January 15, 2022

Job Description:

Company Description

Since its founding more than 100 years ago, ITW has become one of the world's leading diversified manufacturers of specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related service businesses. We place a high premium on the development of innovative solutions-most of which are developed in tandem with our customers. And we continue to ensure that our customers receive timely, cost-effective service for the innovative products we provide.

ITW's differentiated business model is composed of a set of unique core capabilities: our proprietary 80/20 business process, customer-back innovation, and our well-known decentralized entrepreneurial culture. These capabilities are unmistakably ITW-and key to our longevity and strong performance.

ITW's products and solutions are at work all over the world, in deep-sea oil rigs, aerospace technology, bridges and wind turbines, healthcare, the spaces in which we live and work, the cars we drive, and the mobile devices we rely on. We are never, whether we know it or not, more than a few steps from an innovative ITW solution.

Today, ITW (NYSE: ITW) is a Fortune 200 company that employs nearly 50,000 people with operations in 55 countries with headquarters in Glenview, IL. We are conveniently located across from the Metra commuter rail, with access to an on-site gym, caf-- and active employee resource groups.

Job Description

The Research Engineer specializing in Sustainable Polymers will report to the Technology Research Manager within the ITW Innovation Center. This position is responsible for translating the latest sustainable materials research and innovation into intelligence reports of strategic importance to ITW. The position will be a combination of strategic research, tactical analysis, interpretation, and reporting on advancements in sustainable materials and other technologies to senior management.

Responsibilities

• To scope, define, and execute materials market & technology investigations supporting our ITW's divisional needs relating to sustainable polymer technology strategy.
• To execute ITW Division requested research projects in support of our growth initiatives, across a broad range of markets and technologies.
• To function as the recognized technical expert in sustainable (renewable, biodegradable and compostable) polymer materials and to apply technical knowledge and experience to support business inquires and project requests.
• To maintain a detailed understanding of patent and legislative implications on processes and products of our divisions.
• To support ITW Divisions when they encounter polymer related production issues.
• To evaluate technologies and demonstrate proof of principal in subject matter area
• To support technology evaluation in knowledge areas for acquisition support, technology landscaping
• To consult with industry and academic experts to accelerate developments in sustainable chemistry
  Qualifications
  
  • Masters degree or higher in Material Science or polymers related field
  • 5+ years of industry experience in polymers focused on sustainable materials.
  • Domain expert in the field of sustainable polymers, emerging research, and associated product manufacturing processes
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Willingness to travel 20% domestically with limited international travel
    Desired Experience And Traits
    
    • Expert in the field of Sustainable polymers, both rigid and films
    • Knowledgeable of new and emerging research/technology in this subject area
    • Proven track record of technical excellence in a technology-based corporation preferred
    • Intellectually curious with a driving interest in new technology
    • Degradable/ Biodegradable materials
    • Extrusion and injection molding
    • Thermoset chemistry, additives, and processing
    • "Bioderived polymers" -Polymers from plant-based materials/sugars
    • Sustainable chemistry / Green chemistry
      Competencies
      
      • Technical Acumen
      • Attention to Detail
      • Strong Analytical Skills
      • Decision Making
      • Creative Thinking/Innovative Mindset
      • Consultative Approach
      • Reduces Complexity
        Additional Information
        
        Illinois Tool Works Inc. ("ITW" or "the Company") is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
        
        If you are a qualified individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the online application system process due to your disability, please email corp_accessibility@itw.com to request assistance. No other requests will be acknowledged.

Keywords: ITW, Glenview , Research Engineer- Sustainable Polymers, Engineering , Glenview, Illinois