Senior Product Development Chemist – Tire Materials

Senior Product Development Chemist, Tire Materials Cleveland, OhioMW Talent is partnering with a leading manufacturing company to hire a Senior Product Development Chemist specializing in tire materials. This role focuses on advanced material development, tire compound formulation, performance optimization, and technical innovation supporting next-generation tire technologies.The ideal candidate will bring direct experience in tire compounding, formulation development, material testing, and performance analysis within passenger or commercial tire applications. The company is seeking someone with strong technical expertise who can contribute to both hands-on development work and broader innovation initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesLead research, development, and optimization of tire material formulationsSupport and execute technology strategies within the tire materials segmentDevelop and refine formulations using structure-property relationshipsConduct rubber compounding, mixing, testing, and material characterizationApply modeling and simulation tools to support tire performance and manufacturing processesCollaborate with internal teams and customers to address technical challengesSupport development of advanced tools, including performance modeling and digital simulationsDeliver projects aligned with timelines, cost targets, and quality expectationsWhat We're Looking ForBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or related field5+ years of direct experience in tire compounds, tire materials, or tire formulation development required, 10+ years preferredStrong communication and cross-functional collaboration skillsStrong understanding of material-property relationships and their impact on tire performanceExperience with advanced rubber testing and characterization methodsTechnical Expertise RequiredDirect experience with tire compounding, tire formulation development, and tire material testing requiredHands-on experience developing or testing tire compounds in commercial or passenger tire applications strongly preferredExperience working directly within a tire manufacturer or tire division preferredExperience with tire performance modeling, simulation, or digital analysis tools strongly preferredExperience with AI-driven modeling, predictive material analysis, or tread formulation simulation is highly valuedCandidates with only general polymer, resin, or non-tire material backgrounds without direct tire compound experience are unlikely to be a fitLaboratory and Equipment ExperienceHands-on experience with rubber laboratory testing and processing equipment, including:Moving Die Rheometer (MDR)Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA)Mooney ViscometerUniversal Testing Machine (Tensile Tester)Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA)Rubber mixers, including Banbury and Brabender systemsTwo Roll MillWhy This OpportunityOpportunity to work on advanced tire technologies and material innovationHigh-impact role supporting next generation tire performance developmentExposure to advanced modeling, simulation, and formulation technologiesCollaborative technical environment with long-term growth potentialOpportunity to contribute directly to product development and performance strategy