R&T Polymerization Process Engineer

With our strong investment in research and development and our culture of continuous improvement, Hexcel is the industry leader in the manufacturing of advance composite materials, including carbon fiber, woven reinforcements, resins, prepregs, honeycombs and additive manufactured parts. We invite you to join the Hexcel team at various manufacturing sites, sales offices, and R&T centers around the globe. Become a part of the "strength within."

Hexcel is currently seeking a R&T Polymerization Process Engineer for our Decatur, AL, USA, location.

The selected individual will be responsible for but not limited to the following obligations:

• Lead business-aligned projects that move polymerization and dope processes from the lab to pilot-scale to production, ensuring all safety, regulatory, change management, and environmental compliance requirements are met.
• Develop scalable manufacturing solutions for PAN polymer and dope, focusing on performance, sustainability, and efficiency.
• Streamline technology development to reduce time-to-market for new products.
• Drive small and large capital projects, reliability initiatives, and safety programs that ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Utilize your knowledge of scientific principles, industry practices, and advanced polymerization methods to drive programs forward. Stay abreast of technical literature and develop your areas of interest, while fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Work with cross-functional teams and upstream organizations to integrate innovations into production. Your collaborative approach will drive process improvements and advance key business initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, or a related field. A Ph.D. is highly preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in chemical process development. Direct experience with industrial solution polymerization processes is required. Familiarity with polyacrylonitrile polymerization is highly desired.
• Deep understanding of industrial polymerization processes, polymer structure-property relationships, polymer chemistry, and fundamental chemical engineering principles with a demonstrated track record of scaling R&D innovations into cost-effective production processes.
• Willing to be hands on with pilot equipment and work collaboratively with technicians and operators to solve problems.
• Strong collaboration skills with internal teams and stakeholders. The candidate will be expected to both lead and serve on team projects.
• Possess industrial materials development experience, especially in polymerization processes.
• Familiarity with operating in environments that fall under the Process Safety Management standard

Eligible candidates must be a: U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum. Hexcel (NYSE: HXL) is a global leader in advanced composites technology, a leading producer of carbon fiber, and the world leader in honeycomb manufacturing for the commercial aerospace industry.

Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.