Twin‑Screw Extrusion Research Technologist

Job Description

Job Description

Nearly a century ago in Rhode Island, Alfred Fain opened a small tire store that would evolve into Teknor Apex—an international custom compounder with nine U.S. sites and operations in Belgium, Singapore, Germany, and China. Still privately held and led by the founder’s grandson, we build long-term partnerships with employees and customers alike. As Jon Fain puts it, “Manufacturing is a team sport and we work together to achieve our goals.”

Step into a day on our pilot compounding line

You arrive to the R&D lab, review formulations, and prep additive packages. With minimal supervision, you bring the 40 mm pilot compounding line online—dialing in the KTRON control panel, balancing loaders and feeders, and setting downstream equipment. By mid‑morning, pellets are moving through the pelletizer and Gala unit, across the Witte, and into the dryer as you capture conditions and test data in the lab system. In the afternoon, you might pivot to injection molding or extrusion trials, or run physical testing on finished TPV and other material samples, all in accordance with specifications and safety procedures.

What you'll own

• Operate the 40 mm pilot twin‑screw extruder for sample preparation and R&D projects (focus on TPVs and additional polymers).
• Prepare additive packages; configure KTRON control panel, loader/feeder systems, and downstream equipment (pelletizer, Gala unit, Witte, dryer).
• Execute tests to spec; once trained, perform all core testing/functions independently.
• Record formula details, run conditions, and results accurately in the lab system.

What you bring

• Clear communication and collaborative teamwork with supervisors and peers.
• Prefer 1+ years in materials compounding, testing, or manufacturing.
• Working toward or holding an Associate’s degree in a science discipline.
• Proficiency with twin‑screw compounding.

Physical and practical requirements

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Communicate clearly in English by phone and in writing.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

This overview captures primary responsibilities and may not include every task associated with the role.

Compliance

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Teknor Apex is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status under state or federal laws. Must be 18 years of age or older to work at Teknor Apex.