Title: Senior Engineer Material Development (m/f/d)

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job summary:

The Senior Specialist, R&D, Material Development (m/f/d) will work within the research and development team on exploring, defining, and developing novel elastomer formulation and technologies for primary packaging components. Furthermore, the job holder will initiate and explore new thermoset formulation concepts to enable further product performance improvements, which includes the development of appropriate test and characterization methods.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define, plan, and execute complex development projects from initiation to introduction of new elastomer formulation and raw materials
• Independently scout, review, and define new materials, technologies, and compounding strategies for thermoset formulations to improve product performance, incl. cooperation with institutes/universities and external suppliers
• Communicate challenges, strategies, results, and recommendations transparently to all relevant stakeholders
• Independently initiate, design, and lead the development of alternative and novel thermoset formulations
• Define, develop, and support test methods and processing strategies for thermoset formulations. Actively approach and collaborate with all interfaces
• Drive root cause analysis for material related findings and communicate these to internal stakeholders
• Technical guidance/instructions for pilot plant and lab personnel during development and execution of new test methods & elastomer processes

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in chemistry, material science, or comparable qualification with a strong expertise in polymer chemistry
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in elastomer/composite/thermoset development or related materials
• Strong knowledge & expertise in data processing, characterization, and analytical methods to evaluate elastomers/polymers
• Advanced knowledge of thermoset rubber formulation
• Experience with common plastic and rubber processing technologies and characterization methods
• Team player working in an international environment
• Project management and problem-solving methodologies
• Excellent communication skills as well as an innovative and analytical mind set
• Collaboration with external suppliers, universities and knowledge & technology centers
• Excellent English knowledge is a must, German language skills or the willingness to learn is appreciated

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening and/or drug screening.