Technical Development Engineer

JOB TITLE:                Technical Development Engineer – Acrylic Polymer & Profiles  

REPORTS TO:          General Manager of Acrylic Polymer & Profile Sales

DEPARTMENT:        Commercial

LOCATION:              Corporate HQ or Remote

PAY RANGE:            $110,000–$160,000 USD annually (will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications)

PAY/WAGE TYPE:     Salaried | Exempt

WORK HOURS:        Full-time

JOB SUMMARY

The Technical Development Engineer – Acrylic Polymers & Profiles provides technical sales and application support to customers and field sales representatives within the Polymer Division. This role serves as a key technical resource for acrylic polymer applications, supporting customer processing trials, product evaluations, troubleshooting, and new business development activities.

The position works closely with customers, sales, manufacturing, and technical teams to support extrusion and injection molding applications utilizing acrylic polymer products. Responsibilities include participating in processing trials, assisting with product recommendations, supporting application development, and helping resolve technical and processing-related challenges to improve customer success and drive business growth. 

This position requires attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, good communication and organizational skills and a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality—reflecting Plaskolite’s core values of Integrity and Improvement.

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Troubleshoot processing, product performance, and manufacturing-related issues involving acrylic polymers
• Provide technical support to polymer sales representatives and customers for acrylic polymer applications and optimized processing
• Support extrusion and injection molding trials at customer and manufacturing locations
• Assist customers with material selection, processing recommendations, and application development
• Work closely with sales, manufacturing, engineering, and technical teams to support customer projects and business growth
• Participate in new product evaluations, customer qualifications, and commercialization activities
• Analyze customer applications, processing conditions, and performance requirements to recommend appropriate solutions
• Assist with the development and maintenance of technical documentation, trial reports, and application data
• Support customer visits, technical presentations, and product demonstrations as needed
• Monitor and communicate market, application, and competitive trends to commercial and technical leadership
• Maintain regular communication with customers regarding trial progress, technical issues, and project status
• Travel to customer sites, manufacturing facilities, and industry events as required to support business objectives
• All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred
• Equivalent combination of technical education and relevant industry experience may be considered
• 3–7 years of experience in plastics, polymers, extrusion, injection molding, or related manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting or participating in extrusion and/or injection molding processing trials
• Familiarity with acrylic polymers (PMMA) or similar thermoplastic materials preferred
• Customer-facing technical support or technical sales experience preferred
• Understanding of polymer processing parameters, tooling considerations, and product performance characteristics
• Experience troubleshooting processing or application-related issues in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to work cross-functionally with sales, manufacturing, engineering, and customers
• Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites, processing facilities, and manufacturing locations as needed
• Technical training or hands-on experience in plastics processing, extrusion, or injection molding strongly preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of polymer processing principles, including extrusion and injection molding
• Ability to support and troubleshoot customer processing trials and application challenges
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship-building skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales, manufacturing, engineering, and R&D teams
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Working knowledge of processing equipment, tooling, and material performance characteristics
• Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment
• Proficiency with standard business software and technical reporting/documentation

AVAILABLE BENEFITS

• Sign-On Bonus
• Health Insurance
• 401(k) and Employer Contribution
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Discount Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Voluntary Life Insurance

ABOUT PLASKOLITE
PLASKOLITE is a global leader in manufacturing of engineering thermoplastics, including Acrylic, Polycarbonate, ABS, Olefin and PETG Sheet, Extruded Profiles and PMMA Polymers. Founded in 1950, by Donald Dunn and family, PLASKOLITE has a reputation for providing the highest quality products in the industry. Our innovative thermoplastic solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including glazing, safety shields, lighting, signs and point-of-purchase displays. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities throughout North America and Europe, Plaskolite delivers superior thermoplastic sheet, profiles, and polymers to the world through long-lasting customer relationships and hands-on customer service.

PLASKOLITE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. If requested, the Company will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified individuals where appropriate to allow the ++individual to perform the essential functions of the job, so long as doing so does not create an undue hardship on the business.