Product Developer Ballistic Composites

Are you ready to embark on a journey where your passion for science and engineering meets real-world applications? We're looking for a dynamic individual to join our team responsible for all product developments of Dyneema®.

Dyneema® is the world’s strongest fiber, based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene Avient Protective Materials manufactures the fiber and unidirectional composites made from the fiber and various types of matrix systems, leading to the world’s most advanced ballistic protection.

In this role, you will be responsible for new product developments for Dyneema® unidirectional composites, in order to improve their ballistic protection against various threats, reduce weight of solutions made by our customers, or to optimize products for efficiency and cost.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

• Crafting the Future: Develop new Dyneema® composites, the world’s lightest weight and highest performing fabrics for various outdoor applications. You will be involved in the full project lifecycle from ideation, feasibility, development, up to scale-up to commercial production.
• Research Maverick: Lead or contribute to applied and fundamental research projects aimed at enhancing Dyneema® products. 
• Problem-Solving Extraordinaire: Provide support for troubleshooting in our production plant, leveraging your knowledge of fabric production. The production of Dyneema® composites requires a hands-on approach and agile mindset. Every day brings new opportunities and challenges.
• Strategic Navigator: Identify and implement solutions to ensure ongoing development and production within budgetary and timeline constraints, all while strictly adhering to relevant regulations and procedures.
• Knowledge Architect: Continuously monitor scientific advancements in the product field, actively building expertise for the R&D team through networking with peers and ensuring access to vital information. You'll also stay on top of industrial and business developments, understanding their implications.
• IP Guardian: Proactively recognize and act upon intellectual property opportunities and threats, playing a key role in building and defending our IP portfolio.
• Safety Champion: Consistently demonstrate behavior that aligns with SHE (Safety, Health, Environment) and Security risks and agreed-upon controls, ensuring full compliance with all Avient and Avient Protective Materials requirements, rules, and procedures.

Authorities

• Proposal and execution of projects including investments
• Planning and execution of trials
• Contacts with possible suppliers for critical raw materials and new equipment
• Initiate new patents

Education and Experience

• Master's or PhD Preferred: Master’s or PhD in engineering or materials science, preferentially with textile or yarn manufacturing expertise or materials science experience, or bachelor degree with more than 5 years of relevant experience or proven ability to work on an academic level
• Experience Matters: Ideally, possess 3-10 years of experience in an academic or industrial environment, demonstrating a deep understanding of the field and a track record of impactful contributions.
• Passion Meets Purpose: Demonstrate a high drive to translate scientific knowledge into practical, real-life applications.
• Communication is Key: Possess excellent communication and social skills alongside strong analytical and conceptual capabilities.
• Team Spirit: Embrace collaboration and thrive as a team player in our dynamic environment.
• Data-Driven Mindset: Knowledge of statistics and experimental design is beneficial.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English, the language that unites our global team.

Physical Demands

• Requires standing and sitting for extended periods of time, talking and listening. 
• Must be able to walk and use hands. 
• Occasionally requires bending, stooping, climbing ladders and stairs. 
• May occasionally be required to lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds. 
• Part of the work is performing trials in a manufacturing environment that requires the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection, hard hat.
• Exposure to outside weather conditions is routine. 
• May occasionally be exposed to working in extreme heat and humidity. 
• May also be exposed on occasion to dust or fumes.

The position involves the access, processing, and evaluation of items, including technology, that are controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or controlled at a level higher than EAR99 under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As a result, the applicant must be a lawful permanent resident of the United States, citizen of the United States, or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)[, or must be able to obtain any necessary license(s) from the relevant U.S. government agency(ies) to be able to perform the required job duties].