Chemical Engineer at REI; Recreational Equipment Inc.) Seattle, WA

Overview

This role focuses on driving materials development and commercialization by collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure products meet functionality, performance, and aesthetic requirements. You will partner with design, development, and technical services teams to validate new compounds and technologies for end‑use suitability, balancing performance, quality, delivery, and cost considerations. Responsibilities include supporting polymer testing, managing commercialization timelines, and maintaining accurate documentation within PDM systems.

You will work closely with factory partners to align expectations, integrate sustainability goals into material development, and evaluate risks associated with new materials. Additional duties include onboarding new suppliers, overseeing bulk production to ensure alignment with approved standards, and supporting the commercialization of rubber, foam composites, and plastic parts.

• RSL Compliance:
  Monitor , interpret, and stay updated on regulations, standards, and guidelines related to restricted substances in chemical industries (e.g., REACH, RoHS, CPSIA, etc.). Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the company's RSL requirements. Implement strategies to reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
• Trial Management and Technical Expertise:
  Organize, oversee, and report on new project trials at vendor and factory partner locations. Provide technical guidance and expertise for the smooth execution and transfer of compounds.
• Polymer Testing Expertise :
  Experience operating and interpreting polymer characterization techniques (TGA, DSC, DMA, FTIR, etc.) for comprehensive polymer testing. Analyze data to optimize compound properties and production processes.
• Problem Solving :
  Hands‑on approach to problem solving utilizing statistical data analysis and DOEs with a good understanding of latest advances in polymer processing.
• Plastic Processing:
  Basic knowledge of thermoplastic injection processing, including speeds, pressures, shot sizes, barrel temperatures, appropriate feeder selection, etc. and their relationship with material properties such as viscosity, bulk density of fiber, fiber weight percentage, resin melt temperatures, melt flow rates, and quality control measurements of output.
• Collaboration and Innovation :
  Collaborate closely with materials team at HQ, development, and technical teams to assess new product readiness or compound transfers. Implement new processes and technologies into production under the guidance of Director - Advance Materials

• BS in Chemistry/Polymer or related field; may be substitute with relevant experience
• 2+ years’ work experience in Plastic manufacturing, development, or design preferred
• Knowledge of appropriate polymer testing methods, interpretation and application of results.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines within a product development calendar
• Familiar with the management of factory sourced components parts
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating effective listening through concise, clear verbal and written communication.
• Understanding of the big picture and an aptitude for cross function team collaboration.
• Innovative thinking and the ability to use sound judgment to resolve problems.

Base Pay Range: $74,400.00 - $ per year