Job Description

Join our team! An industry leader since 1912, Lavelle Industries has a unique opportunity for a Rubber Chemist/Materials Scientist to join our Burlington, WI R&D team. The ideal candidate will focus their knowledge on process to develop new materials, expansion of capabilities and gaining technical knowledge that result in product improvement.

Why Lavelle? We are a unique organization, rooted in values that emphasize problem-solving and measurement mindsets. We may not be the biggest rubber company out there, but we are the market leader. We may dress casually – jeans daily! – but we take our work seriously, and we offer our employees competitive benefits and support in recognition of the contributions they make.

This role has been described as giving the “right fit” candidate ASTRONOMICAL possibilities in their work. This means working on a wide variety of projects and material applications, to continue our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to our customers. The Chemist / Materials Scientist will thoroughly and creatively investigate substances at atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another.

Responsibilities will include:

• Assist R&D and Chemistry Lab staff by researching and understanding alternative materials for specified applications (new/improved product development).
• Contact current and potential suppliers of materials and equipment to understand manufacturing processes to obtain preliminary quote information.
• Analyze substances to determine their composition and concentration of elements.
• Plan and carry out complex research projects, such as development of new products and testing methods.
• Write technical reports that detail methods and findings.
• Present research findings to engineers, management and other colleagues.
• Instruct engineers and technicians on proper chemical processing and test procedures; including ingredients, mix times and operating temperatures.
• Maintain material certifications to agencies like NSF, WRAS, ACS, and UL
• Monitor product-level compliance based on chemical directives like but not limited to RoHS, REACH, CA Prop 65, and TSCA regulations
• Supporting engineers and operations staff, investigate equipment and tooling options for both current and new processes and products.

“Right fit” candidates for this role will have education and experience suitable for the role. This includes:

• Rubber, rheology of rubber and molding processing experience is required
• 2 to 4 years in a lab research environment.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field is required. An accelerated Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry is preferred.
• Experience in online research; includes appropriate searches, disseminating information, and summarization of information for delivery to colleagues/teams.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Capacity to learn new technologies / concepts rapidly and apply them to the needs of Lavelle.

Lavelle Industries is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.