Assistant Chemist - PC

Role details

Fenner Dunlop, a Michelin Group company, designs and manufactures the widest range of bulk material handling conveyor belts in the world. We strive to be the premier provider of the safest and most reliable conveyor belting and services to a variety of heavy industrial markets such as coal mining, hard rock mining, sand, gravel, wood handling, power generation, pulp and paper. Fenner Dunlop provides North American made belting, manufactured at our facilities located throughout the United States and Canada.

For over 150 years, Fenner Dunlop has researched, designed, developed, manufactured, and tested its conveyor belting products, supporting nearly any type of conveyor application, and providing the right solutions to protect conveyor system investments in the harshest conveying environments.

Role Summary

Fenner Dunlop is seeking an Assistant Chemist to join our team at our Port Clinton, Ohio facility. Reporting to the Chemist, this role supports research, development, product testing, and technical activities within our manufacturing operations. The Assistant Chemist will work closely with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to conduct laboratory testing, evaluate rubber and polymer compounds, analyze results, and support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will also help maintain laboratory operations, documentation, equipment, and chemical storage in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop testing procedures and perform laboratory testing for research, development, and product development projects.
• Document, analyze, and report laboratory test results accurately and clearly.
• Assist the Chemist with developing, mixing, and testing rubber and polymer formulations.
• Review current and historical test data and project requirements to identify trends, develop action plans, and support ongoing projects.
• Conduct product, market, and competitor benchmarking through testing and analysis of internal and competitor compounds.
• Evaluate compounds related to quality concerns, customer feedback, or process changes and communicate findings.
• Maintain laboratory chemical and compound storage areas in accordance with safety, environmental, and housekeeping requirements.
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals and laboratory materials.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and tools as required.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports, and electronic documentation in accordance with Company and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits, certifications, and internal reviews by maintaining accurate documentation and readily available data.
• Provide testing and technical support to manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams.
• Participate in troubleshooting and root cause analysis related to compound performance, quality issues, and process changes.
• Follow all applicable safety, chemical hygiene, and hazard communication requirements.
• Participate in safety programs, audits, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Maintain strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with customers, distributors, sales representatives, technical personnel, and contractors.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, organization, sound judgment, and follow-through.
• Utilize standard business technology, including mobile devices, digital photography, email, Microsoft Office, reporting tools, and customer relationship management systems.
• Travel domestically and internationally, including overnight travel, up to 15% of working time, primarily within the United States.
• Obtain and maintain a valid passport for international business travel.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfy applicable Company driving requirements when operating a motor vehicle.
• Satisfy lawful, job-related customer and Company site-access requirements, which may include safety orientations, training certifications, identity verification, background screening, drug and alcohol testing, respiratory-clearance evaluations, fit testing, and the use of required personal protective equipment. All requirements will be administered in accordance with applicable law, Company policy, and reasonable accommodation obligations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of polymers, rubber compounding, or industrial materials.
• Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on accurate documentation and data management.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in both a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other applicable computer programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in rubber, polymer, or industrial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and other industry testing standards.
• Experience with laboratory testing, compound development, or product evaluation.
• Experience analyzing laboratory or product performance data.
• Familiarity with chemical handling, laboratory safety, and chemical hygiene practices.

Physical and Work Requirements

• This position involves both office and laboratory work.
• Ability to routinely perform laboratory activities requiring manual dexterity, including grasping, handling, and manipulating materials and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing and laboratory environment where exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, gases, noise, vibration, and varying atmospheric conditions may occur.
• Ability to follow required safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to maintain visual acuity, including color, depth, and field of vision, as necessary to perform laboratory and testing activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, and perform other movements necessary to complete laboratory and manufacturing-related tasks.
• Regular and consistent attendance is required.
• Additional or different hours may occasionally be required based on business and operational needs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

What We Offer

At Fenner Dunlop, a Michelin Group company, we care about work/life balance as well as the health and financial wellbeing of our employees and their families. So, whether you're considering family planning, trying to decide how to best care for your family, or want to make a difference through volunteerism, you're sure to find Fenner Dunlop's competitive and comprehensive employee-focused benefits package helpful.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Medical Travel Reimbursement for critical healthcare travel
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Volunteer, Caregiver, and Bereavement Leave
• Education Reimbursement
• Family Planning Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Retirement Savings Plan with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 6% of your salary
• Extensive Paid Parental Leave in the event of birth or adoption
• Opportunities to purchase Michelin Stock at a discounted rate
• Michelin Tire Rebates
• Employee Assistance Program that provides health, financial, and legal counseling among other resources

Interested in more details on our comprehensive employee benefits package? Just ask!

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.