Lead Development Chemist Engineer

Our client based in Whetstone, Leicester, is searching for a Lead Development Chemist Engineer to join their team on a permanent basis.

To develop leading-edge products in the field of composite materials and to support customers with implementation of new products.

Primary Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

Write work plans to achieve short-term and medium-term product development through chemical product design (formulation of new products).
Understand testing requirements, prepare quality samples, run corresponding experiments.
Carry out analytical & mechanical testing (or other) or commission testing (when not available in[1]house) and interpret data adequately
Write technical report and relevant technical datasheets.
Benchmark existing market-leading products.
Lead chemical process development through support of pilot batches of new products.
Set adequate process paperwork to provide guidance to shop floor operators.
Customer Manufacturing Process:

Maintain up to date knowledge of Base Group Ltd products lines and corresponding competitors’ products.
Support customer enquiries with fact-based scientific lab-work.
Document queries and findings in customer report.
Standards:

Ensure high standards of housekeeping are maintained throughout the formulation lab.
Respect and implement Health and Safety risk assessment for all practical tasks, including COSHH assessments.
Ensuring quality related checks are carried out as appropriate.
Delivering high quality written reports as required.
Lead quality improvement projects when and where required by the business.
Laboratory:

Develop knowledge of existing laboratory equipment and identify needs for new techniques or equipment.
Capture essential laboratory activities through the writing of supporting documents.
Other:

Facilitate meetings as appropriate
Train and mentor staff as appropriate within limitations of own authorities/knowledge, competence and resource.
Essential Personal Specification, Experience and Education Required:

Qualities and Attitude:

Passionate about your field.
Analytical in approach.
Self-motivated with a high level of commitment.
“Hands-on” approach with a “can-do” attitude.
Results driven.
Experience:

Minimum three years’ experience with relevant scientific background.
Strong Project Management and Methodology.
Qualifications and Training:

1st degree in a field of science or engineering (minimum grade 2:2).
Desirable Personal Specification, Experience and Education Required:

Qualities and Attitude:

Tenacious.
Sound business judgement.
Project management skills.
Negotiating and influencing skills.
Experience:

Minimum three years industrial experience, in the field of composites, adhesives and coatings.
Qualifications and Training:

Relevant PHD and / or 1st degree in materials science, polymer or organic chemistry (minimum grade 2:1).
Competencies Requested:

Strong organisational and time management skills (planning and scheduling ahead. Multi-tasker).
Problem-solving approach.
Good interpersonal skills.
Numerate, literate, articulate.
Customer service focus.
Effective communicator, on phone, in writing and in person at all levels – ability to impart/articulate technical information in a non-technical way.
Attention to detail.
Ability to prioritise.
Presentation skills.
Good IT skills, use of Microsoft Office programs