We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Research & Support Engineer (Principal Engineer)

Westlake Chemical
United States, Texas, Longview
811 Estes Drive (Show on map)
Jul 08, 2025

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

The Research & Support Engineer provides technical support to Westlake's PE resins. This position provides experience and technical knowledge regarding resins including development, optimization, and characterization. This position works and collaborates with the Research & Support's Polymer Labs and the Applications Lab. The functional role of the Research & Support Engineer generally requires polymer and polymer performance characterization (e.g. rheology, structure & morphology, properties, etc.).

In the role of Research & Support Engineer, the expertise of the Principal Engineer also includes acquired knowledge and expertise in PE resins incl. e.g. resin design, applications, "CTQs", and manufacturing. The Principal Engineer is an experienced researcher who can work independently as a principal investigator and/or direct others as a project leader. This person must work directly with stakeholders to respond to complex technical problems. They utilize a high level of expertise & judgment to analyze data, and plan and execute projects. Challenges will include product development, plant & customer support (e.g. problem-solving, optimization, competitive analysis), and new innovation.

This position will regularly interact with key stakeholders, including TS&D, Process & Catalyst Support, Commercial, Manufacturing, and customers. A high level of communication is required, including reports, presentations, etc. and also to effectively communicate to management. This position requires handling multiple projects, and contributes ideas to progress current projects and to keep PE resources up-to-date and to initiate new innovation in the field of polymer & polymer performance characterization, and PE resins.

As an experienced contributor the Principal Engineer will act as a facilitator to develop and maintain key relationships, to ensure that projects progress effectively, and that objectives and resources are focused on PE business needs and goals. This includes setting an example for others, and mentoring, coaching, or instructing their colleagues and less-experienced researchers with projects work.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide direct support and troubleshooting for polymer & polymer performance characterization (e.g. rheology, structure & morphology, properties, etc.) incl. for product development, plant & customer support, and new innovation.
  • Provide support & direction to improve resins and keep Analytical & Characterization capabilities up-to-date incl. for product development, plant & customer support, and new innovation.
  • Act as principal investigator to determine & conduct laboratory experiments and tests (internally & externally) required by stakeholder's needs.
  • Evaluate and report results of experiments and make recommendations so that appropriate actions can be taken.
  • Lead projects or assist in research, planning, experiments, data collection and evaluation of information.
  • Work with key stakeholders (including TS&D, Commercial, Manufacturing, et al) to resolve problems and to identify opportunities that add value for the business.
  • Contribute as a member of the Technology Leadership Team.
  • Use acquired knowledge & expertise to identify & solve problems - incl. to work with vague problems and creating definition so that these can be understood, investigated, and solved.
  • Act as a team member to develop and maintain key relationships, and ensure that objectives, project, and resources are focused on PE business needs and goals.
  • Communicate by reports, presentations, and other updates. Ensure that all stakeholders are informed.
  • Maintain current knowledge of developments & opportunities incl. by reading current literature and patents, attending key conferences.
  • Participate in communication with outside vendors and suppliers to support the evaluation of the products or services, and learn "state of the art" practices and equipment offered relevant to business needs and goals.
  • Advise and direct lab & instrument improvements to keep capabilities up-to-date to meet stakeholder's needs.
  • Contribute key projects to the "pipeline" (i.e. new ideas for resins, characterization, improvements).
  • Mentor, coach, and provide instruction and direction to others for proper execution of projects, experiments, and tests.
  • Contribute to development & maintenance of core competencies incl. conducting training seminars (internal & external), and proposing training opportunities.
  • Protect intellectual property and disclose key findings for consideration in patenting, trade secrets, etc.
  • Participate in intellectual property and support the Legal Department in the prosecution of and defense of patent applications
  • Perform duties in a manner that protects personal Safety as well as the Safety of others.
  • Carry out experiments & lab activities consistent with site health, safety, and environmental policies & procedures of Westlake Longview.
  • Provide expertise to, and participate in, Safety activities incl. Safety reviews, M.O.C., etc. and ensure work is carried out consistent with the site health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures of Westlake Longview.
  • Perform other tasks and reasonable instructions or duties as assigned by supervision or management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • B.S. and/or M.S. degree
  • Minimum thirteen (13) years engineering/technology experience related to polyolefin resins.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • PhD. or M.S. in polymer chemistry, or a B.S. degree with extensive polyolefin experience.
  • The Research & Support Engineer activities are primarily based on knowledge of, and characterization techniques for polymer structure and properties. This includes knowledge of e.g. product formulations (i.e. additivation), applications, and performance characteristics. Also, a fundamental knowledge of the manufacture, testing, analysis and applications of polyolefin resins.
  • Ability to design experiments and evaluate laboratory and manufacturing data relevant to resin properties & performance.
  • Ability to work with a variety of disciplines (i.e. TS&D, Commercial, Manufacturing) and to lead cross-functional efforts.
  • Strong computer skills, communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to think analytically and decisively.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.

Applied = 0

(web-8588dfb-6fpzf)