Research & Support Engineer (Principal Engineer)

SUMMARY

The Research & Support Engineer provides advanced technical expertise in polyethylene (PE) resin development, optimization, and characterization. This role collaborates closely with Polymer and Applications Labs to deliver innovative solutions and support Westlake’s PE resin portfolio. Key responsibilities include polymer performance characterization (e.g., rheology, morphology, and property analysis), resin design, and application development.

As a Principal Engineer, the position requires independent research leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement to address complex technical challenges. Responsibilities span product development, plant and customer support, competitive analysis, and innovation initiatives. The role demands strong analytical skills, judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively through reports and presentations.

The Principal Engineer will interact regularly with cross-functional teams—TS&D, Process & Catalyst Support, Commercial, Manufacturing—and external customers. Additional responsibilities include mentoring junior engineers, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. This position plays a critical role in advancing PE resin technology and maintaining Westlake’s leadership in polymer performance characterization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for polymer characterization (rheology, morphology, properties) for product development, plant, and customer needs.
• Drive improvements in resin performance and maintain up-to-date analytical capabilities.
• Act as principal investigator to design and conduct laboratory experiments internally and externally.
• Analyze, interpret, and report experimental results with actionable recommendations.
• Lead or assist in research projects, planning, data collection, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders (TS&D, Commercial, Manufacturing) to resolve issues and identify value-added opportunities.
• Serve as a member of the Technology Leadership Team and contribute to strategic initiatives.
• Apply expertise to define and solve complex or ambiguous technical problems.
• Build and maintain strong relationships to align projects with business objectives.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations, and stakeholder updates.
• Stay current on industry developments through literature, patents, and conferences.
• Engage with vendors and suppliers to evaluate products and adopt best practices.
• Mentor and coach team members; provide training and support for technical development.
• Protect intellectual property and support patent filings and legal processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards in all lab activities.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. or M.S. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of engineering/technology experience related to polyolefin resins, or equivalent extensive experience with a B.S. degree.
• Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, structure-property relationships, characterization techniques, and polyolefin resin manufacturing.
• Familiarity with product formulation (additives), applications, and performance characteristics.
• Ability to design experiments, analyze laboratory and manufacturing data, and interpret results for resin properties and performance.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines (TS&D, Commercial, Manufacturing) and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency with relevant software tools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk and climb; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and infrequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.   The employee must frequently make minor decisions with limited information, general decisions in the absence of specific directions, and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working in an office, however, some of the work may be required in the operating units which mandate usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  During active remediation additional requirements may include fit testing for respiratory equipment, chemical suits, face shields, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs.  Moderate travel (20-40%) may be required in the performance of duties.