Job Title: R&D Applications Engineer

Job Description

As an R&D Applications Engineer, you will apply scientific principles to solve product-related challenges and improve structure-property relationships. You will conduct laboratory testing and product characterization to support application development and collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, technology, and sales teams to drive product improvements. Your role will involve working directly with customers to understand real-world applications for products and focusing on continuous improvement. You will lead multidisciplinary project teams and contribute to market intelligence efforts, developing project objectives and milestones in collaboration with team members, and effectively communicating research findings across various departments.

ResponsibilitiesApply scientific principles to solve product-related challenges and improve structure-property relationships.Conduct laboratory testing and product characterization to support application development.Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, technology, and sales teams.Work directly with customers to understand real-world applications for products.Focus on continuous improvement of product applications.Lead multidisciplinary project teams.Contribute to market intelligence efforts.Develop project objectives and milestones in collaboration with team members.Communicate research findings effectively across various departments.Requirements:

- Master’s degree in Chemical or Materials Engineering, Polymer Science or a related field

- 0 to 5 years of experience in polymer science, including testing, characterization, and structure-property relationships

- Strong problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity across disciplines

- Familiarity with laboratory methods and safety protocols

- Excellent communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects; willingness to travel to a customer site (10-15%)

Plus:

- Experience with powder rheology or vulcanizationWork Environment

This position is focused on applied research aimed at solving practical problems using existing knowledge. The work environment is highly collaborative, encouraging the exploration of ideas without the constraints of a siloed structure or excessive bureaucracy. Engineers in this role will see their work implemented in customer plants and products, providing tangible results and satisfaction.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $44.00 - $48.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Akron,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 9, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.