Located in Peoria, Illinois, Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW) produces a scalable and sustainable universe of peerless high-performance materials created from abundant natural sources. NFW is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, innovative ideas, and the desire to commercialize new products from nature and is comprised of a team of scientists, engineers, and business leaders that are inspired to impact the world. We are looking for exceptional talent who can contribute to our exciting and fast-paced, rapidly growing organization.

NFW materials are provided into many consumer markets where surface attributes and haptic are of particular concern to the consumer. Since NFW materials are completely petrochemical-free, we use novel approaches to engineer the surface haptic to achieve the targeted feel of our products. In this role, you will work with our patented coatings, surface conversion methodologies, and other novel technologies that all combine to give our products the look and feel that make our products exceptional in the marketplace.

This role is part science and part engineering: everything that we do is meant to be scalable to large market sizes, so you will be both discovering new approaches to controlling surface haptic and figuring out how those approaches could be industrialized. You will need to be a self-starter and driven by your own curiosity to find potential solutions.

Responsibilities

Research the state-of-the-art in surface haptic control and figure out which approaches can be done with 100% biobased materials and sustainable techniques
Establish partnerships with companies at the forefront of this field and make prototypes using multiple methodologies
Grow internal test capabilities and knowledge of surface haptic control

Requirements

5+ years in a related field or discipline, preference will be given to industry experience over academic work
BS/MS required in polymer science, materials science, chemistry, or chemical engineering (or closely related field)
Demonstrated ability to find creative solutions to complex problems
Outstanding communication and presentation skills, excellent interpersonal and analytical skills
Attention to detail
Works well with others

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Frequently required to talk, hear and see.
Frequent use of hands to grasp, handle, or feel.
Regular standing, walking, sitting and reaching.
Occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

Primarily operates in office. lab, and manufacturing environments.

Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets.

Occasionally required to use personal protective equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Company is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team in which members of all backgrounds can contribute and thrive. In compliance with state and federal law, the Company does not discriminate in employment or administration of its programs and policies based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service. Our policy reflects and affirms the Company’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all unlawful discriminatory practices.

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