Material Scientist - Steel Reinforcement

About the Position

The Global Reinforcement Technology team in Goodyear’s Akron Innovation Center is responsible for identifying, exploring and developing new reinforcement material technologies for all of Goodyear’s product lines. The Akron based team currently seeks a highly motivated and hands-on Steel Reinforcement Scientist to identify and develop new steel reinforcement technologies that address current and future business needs. The associate will be primarily responsible for development, qualification, and maintenance of steel reinforcement materials. The initial focus of work for this position will include technical approvals of alternate sources for established steel reinforcement materials utilizing standard processes and tools. Future activities will include new materials development in support of technology programs, technical auditing of suppliers, and tire product line support relative to steel reinforcements. Projects are conducted on a global basis & activities are coordinated through an international technician organization. The successful candidate will be high energy and naturally inquisitive. Domestic and international travel is sometimes required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical approvals of alternate sources for established steel reinforcement materials utilizing standard processes and tools.

• Responsible for new steel reinforcement materials development in support of technology programs to improve tire manufacturing, performance and cost according to business defined goals and long-term strategy.
• Responsible for material selection, design of new lab composite test(s) & the development of the understanding of thermal/mechanical composite behavior for the purpose of addressing current and future tire reinforcement needs. Translation of tire product performance requirements, such as: rolling resistance, handling, durability, ride comfort and acoustics, into specific reinforcement material characteristics.
• Technical assessment of suppliers, and tire product line support relative to reinforcements.
• Develop & lead external collaborations in support of project objectives where appropriate.
• Provide support to internal departments including purchasing, tire engineering, quality, and Goodyear tire plants. Provide on-site assistance during plant trials as required.

Required Education and Experience

• PhD degree in mechanical engineering, material science, Electrochemistry, or Materials Science, or corrosion science   
• Experience with reinforcing steel composite reinforcement is preferred
• Experience in understanding structure/property relationships in materials is preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with steel reinforced composites.
• Understanding & interpretation of composite design/testing.
• Proficiency in the statistical design & analysis of experimental data.
• Adaptive & flexible interpersonal skills, ability to work in teams, collaborative nature & commitment to innovation.
• Exceptional communication & technical documentation skills.                                                      #LI-KD1