Product Development Chemist, Adhesives - Rockford, MN - Steel Partners Holdings LP : Job Details

Product Development Chemist - Adhesives

OMG Inc. is a leading manufacturer of fastening products and technologies for the commercial roofing and construction industries worldwide. Headquartered in western Massachusetts, OMG is an equal-opportunity employer prioritizing the safety of our employees and customers. The company values integrity, teamwork, diversity, trust, respect, commitment, and a passion for excellence. OMG is a global company operating manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, Illinois, and Minnesota.

Position Overview

OMG currently operates in two Divisions: OMG Roofing Products and FastenMaster. OMG Roofing Products is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of value-added components for the commercial roofing industry. The FastenMaster Division manufactures and markets innovative, premium quality wood-to-wood fasteners that are engineered to enable professional contractors to complete building projects safer, faster, and easier. OMG uses New Product Development & Innovation (NPD&I) teams to develop and introduce products and services that improve customer productivity and enhance building envelope performance. The Product Development Chemist creates innovative new adhesive and sealant products to address unmet needs in the markets we serve. This key position achieves goals by optimizing the product design and development process. The Product Development Chemist excels by applying advanced engineering principles and data-based decision-making to achieve results. We require a hands-on resource with a background in product development and relevant engineering and lean manufacturing experience.

Position Responsibilities

* Promote Safety as the Number One priority of all OMG employees.

* Lead the development of new adhesive, sealant, coating and foam products. Create development strategies, set experimental plans, and oversee their execution in collaboration with the engineering team.

* Translate customer requirements and market insights into actionable product specifications and features.

* Develop a solid understanding of products and applications to provide direction to the team and support project work.

* Participate in trade shows and industry technical meetings to track technology and industry trends and increase innovation and ensure compliance.

* Review projects regularly to address challenges and meet deadlines. Achieve project quality goals.

* Foster a climate of continuous improvement and champion the use of Lean tools, including implementing standard work to achieve consistent quality.

* Assist Manufacturing by, providing engineering support and direction on production issues and input on equipment layout and new equipment needs.

* Establish and maintain rigorous quality control measures, including developing testing protocols, conducting product evaluations, and implementing corrective actions to ensure product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards.

* Serve as a technical resource for outside code and approval authorities and ensure additional regulatory requirements are met.

* Perform other tasks as assigned.

Position Requirements

* Minimum Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Polymer, or Material science. (Master's or Ph.D. preferred).

* Excellent communication skills (written and oral).

* Team player, self-starter, and action oriented.

* Successful track record of collaborating cross-functionally in a product development environment.

* Product design experience, preferably related to construction applications. Polyurethane adhesive or coating experience helpful.

* Positive attitude and good judgment.

* Strong sense of responsibility and ownership.

Physical Requirements

* Ability to work in high-noise areas and wear appropriate hearing protection devices.

* Ability to operate a motor vehicle while maintaining focus on safe driving and avoiding all distractions when behind the wheel, especially cell phones.

* Ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance; and occasionally lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds.

Must be able to complete all essential job functions listed in the position responsibilities, with or without reasonable accommodation.