Process Engineer – Latex Technology - #307795

ABOUT YOUNGSTOWN GLOVE CO.:

Youngstown Glove Co. is the leading manufacturer of technical gloves for the Electric Utility market in the United States. We are unwavering in our commitment to making the very best gloves - unmatched in their quality, safety and performance. We are also unwavering in our commitment to identifying, hiring and retaining talented individuals to assist in continuing our market leading position along with shaping the future of our company. As a result of these commitments, we are growing at a very rapid pace and have begun the process of building a state-of-the-art rubber glove factory in Springfield, Missouri. This will complete our mission of offering a total hand protection solution to the Electric Utility worker.

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Process Engineer specialized in Latex Polymer Chemistry and properties that will oversee rubber chemistry and process specifications for our rubber glove manufacturing plant. This role will be the technical authority on the dipping line: defining specifications, leading process improvement, supporting quality and certification, and developing a functional team to support the line. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, technical expertise in polymer chemistry, and extensive experience in a latex manufacturing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Raw Materials Chemistry – Control and Maintenance
• Develop, document, and maintain specifications for all incoming raw materials.
• Lead compound development and process control to deliver consistent dielectric and mechanical performance according to ASTM standards across all glove classes.
• Manufacturing Specifications:
• Own the written Process Specification / Manufacturing Procedure for every glove class produced at the plant.
• Assist to author and control Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, Batch Records, and Process Control Plans; manage change control through a formal change management process.
• Manufacturing Process Monitoring:
• Partner with the QC lab on in-process and finished-product testing: dielectric proof-test and withstand voltage, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, tension set, thickness, dimensions, per ASTM D120 / D1149 / and D412.
• Investigate nonconformances and assist in root-cause analysis (5-Why, fishbone, DOE, FMEA).
• Support internal and external audits (ISO 9001, OSHA 1910.137, NFPA 70E, customer audits, independent testing lab audits such as NAIL4PET-accredited labs).
• Continuous Improvement and New Product Development:
• Design and execute DOEs (Design of Experiments) to optimize formulations and process parameters for dielectric performance, mechanical properties, cycle time, and scrap reduction.
• Lead or support development of new product types.
• Scale new formulations from lab bench through pilot dips to full production, owning the development package.
• Stay current on latex technology, latex dipping advances, polymer chemistry trends and dielectric glove industry developments.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Assist in training production operators, lab technicians, and maintenance staff on latex handling, compound preparation, and the why behind each process setpoint.
• Supervise and develop direct reports (process technicians) as assigned; set goals, review performance, and build technical capability.
• Collaborate daily with Production, Maintenance, QA, and Operations Management to resolve line issues and execute the production plan.
• Present technical findings, trial results, and improvement recommendations to plant leadership.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science/Engineering, Rubber Technology, Materials Science, or Chemistry. Equivalent combination of an associate degree plus significant latex or rubber process experience will be considered.
• Experience:
• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on process engineering, latex technology, or compounding experience in a dipped-latex, rubber, or polymer manufacturing environment. Dielectric/electrical glove, medical glove, condom, catheter, or balloon manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of ASTM D120, ASTM D412, ASTM D1149, IEC/EN 60903, OSHA 1910.137, and NFPA 70E, or demonstrated ability to become fluent quickly.
• Skills and Competencies:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset; can move fluidly between chemistry at the molecular level and a running production line.
• Meticulous attention to detail, especially around specifications and documentation.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to explain technical content to operators, leadership, auditors, and customers.
• Ownership and urgency: willing to be the person to take ownership when the line is down.
• Proficiency in quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, root cause analysis, and CAPA.
• Familiarity with laboratory testing methods, equipment calibration, and data analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to adapt to change positively and effectively.
• Ability to work under general supervision.
• Core Values
• Integrity
• Dedication to Quality
• Unwavering commitment to excellence
• Positive Attitude
• Innovative Nature
  

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work is split between an office/lab environment and the production floor, which includes elevated temperatures near ovens, humidity, ammonia and mild chemical odors, and mechanical hazards associated with dipping lines and stripping equipment.
• Standard PPE required.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and climb stairs for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Potential domestic and, rarely, international travel to suppliers, customers, or test laboratories.
• Full-time position, Monday through Friday.