Materials and Chemistry Principal Engineer

Materials and Chemistry Principal Engineer
Elmdon, Birmingham

Main Purpose of the Job:

• Support the business with deep understanding of Material Constructions and Performance in the Automotive Sector
• Aid the business by developing New Materials as part of the R&D process and future technology development and protect via IP application
• Support Manufacturing Sites with technical support and knowledge to resolve Production and/or Quality Issues
• Lead Material & process benchmark and market analysis

Main objectives and results:

• Select the best combination of materials for automotive applications relevant to Interior Systems
• Test materials (Virtually and Physically to assess how they perform and meet Engineering Specifications and correlate between the two.
• Understand key material constructions and assess how these impact Automotive Applications and Processes (Moulding, Lamination, Adhesion, Odour, Flammability, Chemical and Heat Resistance etc)
• Support the business strategy with Material Developments that meet or exceed corporate Sustainability Targets
• Work with Operational Facilities to ensure New and Existing Materials are processed in line with Operational Performance Requirements (Cycle Time, OEE, Scrap, HSE etc)
• Advise on the adaptability of a plant to new processes and materials
• Work to solve problems arising during the manufacturing process or with the finished product
• Develop and maintain a Material Selection Matrix and ensure that New Business Enquiries follow an approval process prior to quotation
• Ensure that products comply with National and International Legal and Quality Standards and future Legislative Changes are managed through the business

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Candidates will be certified to Degree level in an Engineering discipline.
• Previous experience of working within a mass production, automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience of automotive interior commodities, typical primary and secondary processes.
• Application of GD&T to BS8888 standard, Measurement and Gauging, Dimensional Management, and the use of statistics in the control of manufacturing.
• Use of Vis VSA or equivalent dimensional software.
• The ability to work as an individual or as part of a team.
• Managerial, technical & administrative skills required - Should be fully conversant with automotive quality tools and systems; these should include TS16949, QS9000, ISO14001, supported by excellent organisational and communicational skills.

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