Basic Function

The R&D Circularity Engineer will be responsible for (1) leading and/or supporting product development, industrialization, and commercialization of polyolefin-based products into new or existing applications, (2) providing compounding and extrusion expertise, and (3) leading and/or supporting research and technology development efforts in the area of plastic waste feedstock processing, treatment, and mechanical recycling. The focus area includes managing and/or developing the technical aspects of business-driven projects with a circular design mindset.

The aim of the role is to enhance LyondellBasell’s competitive advantage in targeted markets, aligned with Business Stakeholders (Polymers and Technology), and in close dialogue/collaboration with the R&D EU organization.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide fundamental technical subject matter expertise in polymer structure / property / process relationships
• Provide subject matter expertise in extrusion (which can be acquired through on the job training) for projects related to polyolefins compounding and mechanical recycling
• Apply a fully circular design approach nurturing mechanical recycling, closed-loop, eco-design and design for recycling initiatives
• Assess feedstock quality requirements for recyclates and plastic waste flows; support development of new formulation and recipes; drive optimum incorporation level of recyclates in final products while at the same time maximizing properties in the end-use applications
• Generate know-how about composition and quality of the different plastic waste feedstocks (properties, contamination, quality, consistency, sortability etc.); Develop technologies and processes for plastic waste feedstock treatment that allow maximum feedstock flexibility and value creation
• Focus on business innovation themes and on target end-use segments to enhance LyondellBasell’s business competitiveness; maintain and further grow differentiation and competitive advantage in the market.
• Interface effectively with R&D researchers and technicians with definition of requirements and identification of solutions for projects
• Interface proactively and effectively with external technology providers (Universities, start-ups and other technology hubs) for innovations in the area of plastic waste feedstock processing, treatment, characterization and mechanical recycling
• Working cross-functionally to manage / support product and process development projects from initiation, through qualification, to subsequent industrialization / commercialization in support of business objectives
• Coordinating the activities of multi-functional teams to achieve objectives using collaboration, personal influence, and excellent organization and project management skills
• Initiating and developing ideas related to extrusion, compounding, product and / or application development opportunities; conducting scouting research and designing experiments to develop proof-of-concept with the intent of establishing technical and commercial feasibility
• Working with the Polymer Businesses, Technical Service, and Manufacturing to develop and implement strategies to enhance LYB’s polyolefin products
• Interfacing with Procurement, Global Engineering (GE&T), R&D EU Extrusion & Compounding groups, APS, and third parties (such as universities and/or recycling companies) as needed in support of mechanical recycling
• Approximately 10 to 25% travel within North America, with occasional trips to Europe and other regions possible

Min. Qualifications

Education:
Ph.D. in areas including Polymers, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Engineering with relevant process engineering experience; Polymers experience preferred.

Work Experience:
0-5 years of experience in a technical role (R&D, Application Development & Technical Service, Polymers Compounding/Manufacturing)

Critical Competencies/Behaviors:

• Drive GoalZERO HSE performance and behaviors through active engagement and employee involvement to provide a safe work environment
• Technical Skills: strives to continuously build knowledge and skills, including an understanding of polymer science, polymer processing, extrusion/compounding equipment and techniques, resin characterization methods, product performance testing, and understanding of applications requirements; shares expertise with others
• Positive team behaviors, including interpersonal skills, positive attitude, sharing information, and giving and accepting feedback and good organizational and time management skills in order to effectively manage multiple and/or changing priorities
• Highly self-motivated individual, committed to delivering results and excellent communication skills, attention to detail, with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Innovation: generates new ideas; challenges the status quo
• Drive for Results: steadfastly pushes self and others for results; works with passion and a sense of urgency; hands-on attitude
• Project Management: the strong capability to manage projects in an organized, timely, collaborative, and effective way
• Interpersonal Capability: builds appropriate rapport with others both within LYB and externally with relevant stakeholders; builds constructive and effective relationships; encourages cooperation and collaboration
• Courage: does not hold back anything that needs to be said; provides current, direct, complete input and feedback
• Focus on Sustainability/Circularity: understanding and knowledge of sustainability/circularity principles and LYB’s core objectives in this space
• Developing Self and Others: takes on challenging tasks and assignments; constructs compelling development plans and executes them; provides guidance and mentoring to those who need help and further development
• Strong Initiative, Problem Solving & Decision Making, and Teamwork skills are essential for this position and ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with technicians, fellow researchers, plant engineers, upper management, and other internal and external stakeholders
• Good organizational and time management skills, including the ability to effectively manage multiple and/or changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

Competencies