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R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist

CPS, Inc. · Knoxville, TN3d agoverified 5 h ago
$85k – $90kfrom the posting

BS-level Formulation / Compounding roles on Crosslinked list a median of $90k (51 that show pay).

Develop and refine tire rubber compounds, supervise lab technicians, and support mixing/calendaring plant trials and scale-up.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Own compound development from lab trials through plant scale-up for tire performance (wear, traction, rolling resistance)

Might not be for you. Part production support and supervising four technicians, so less open-ended research

Mostly at the benchDeep specialistSmall team Career changer welcomeBS acceptable Realistic requirements

Core polymer roleDevelop new rubber formulations and refine compounds; evaluate polymers, fillers, oils, curing systems; rubber mixing and calendaring lab support

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
3–5 yrs
Industry
Automotive
Role
Formulation / Compounding

Role details

Our client, a global manufacturer, is looking for a talented Chemist to support the development of advanced rubber technologies. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field and have at least three years of experience in rubber product development, this could be a great next step in your career. The company offers excellent benefits, long-term growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a highly respected organization.

Duties / Responsibilities

  • Oversee laboratory support for rubber mixing and calendaring production operations.
  • Supervise, coach, and support four laboratory technicians.
  • Work with Quality to evaluate incoming raw materials and ensure materials meet established requirements.
  • Develop new rubber formulations and refine existing compounds to improve performance, processing, quality, and cost.
  • Evaluate raw materials, polymers, fillers, oils, curing systems, and other compound ingredients for use in rubber formulations.
  • Plan and conduct laboratory trials to evaluate compound properties and performance.
  • Analyze physical and chemical test results and use findings to recommend formulation or process improvements.
  • Develop and maintain specifications for rubber compounds, raw materials, and mixing processes.
  • Provide technical support to manufacturing teams to troubleshoot mixing, processing, curing, and material-related issues.
  • Partner with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams to support new products and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Evaluate compound performance related to wear, endurance, traction, rolling resistance, handling, and other tire performance characteristics.
  • Support plant trials and scale-up of new or modified rubber formulations from laboratory development into production.
  • Investigate material and compound-related quality issues, identify root causes, and develop corrective actions.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records, technical reports, specifications, and formulation documentation.
  • Stay current on developments in rubber chemistry, raw materials, compounding technology, and tire manufacturing.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Salary

$85,000 - $90,000

Benefits

M/D/V/401K

Technical Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in rubber compounding, polymer chemistry, materials development, or a related laboratory/manufacturing environment.
  • Knowledge of rubber raw materials, compounding principles, cure systems, and physical property testing.
  • Ability to analyze technical data, troubleshoot material issues, and translate findings into practical recommendations.
  • Experience supporting laboratory and manufacturing trials.
  • Alternate Candidate Background: Candidates from plastics or polymer processing may be considered if they have strong rheology experience, calendaring experience, relevant laboratory testing skills, and the ability to transition into rubber manufacturing. Prior tire manufacturing experience is beneficial but should not automatically exclude a strong adjacent-industry candidate.
  • If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Alicia Mytnik at [email protected].

JO: 10.29.26AAM

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Common questions

What is the salary for the R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist role at CPS, Inc.?

The listed annual base salary range is $85K–$90K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Where is the R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist role at CPS, Inc. based?

This role is based in Knoxville, TN.

What degree is required for the R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist role at CPS, Inc.?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist role require?

The posting calls for 3–5 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist role work with?

rubber, elastomers, fillers, oils, curing systems.

What techniques or methods are required for this R+D Rubber Compounder Chemist role?

physical property testing, rheology.