Polymer Chemist Engineer – Cable Industry

As part of the expansion of our R&D and industrial activities, we are looking for a Polymer Chemist Engineer specialized in compound formulation for the cable industry, with strong expertise in insulation compounds, jacketing materials, and conductive/semi-conductive compounds for medium- and high-voltage applications. This position is intended for a candidate with significant experience gained within a cable manufacturer or a major compound formulation company serving the cable industry, ideally with exposure to halogen-free technologies (HFFR / LSZH).

Key Responsibilities

Within the R&D and Product Development team, you will be responsible for the design, optimization, and industrialization of new polymer formulations for cable applications.

Formulation Development

• Design and optimize polymer compounds for cable applications:
• Insulation compounds
• Jacketing compounds
• Conductive and semi-conductive screening compounds
• Develop solutions meeting electrical, mechanical, thermal, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the development of halogen-free compounds (LSZH / HFFR).

Materials & Process Expertise

• Select and characterize raw materials:
• Polymers
• Mineral fillers
• Functional additives
• Conductive fillers
• Define processing parameters and ensure industrial robustness.
• Support technology transfer from development to production.

Industrial Support & Continuous Improvement

• Optimize compounding and processing operations.
• Analyze product performance and investigate non-conformities.
• Provide technical support to industrial and quality teams.
• Contribute to innovation projects and technology scouting activities.

Candidate Profile

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Plastics Engineering or equivalent

Experience

• Proven experience within the cable industry or technical compounds industry.
• Previous experience with a cable manufacturer is considered a strong asset.
• Expertise in halogen-free formulations is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

Polymer Formulation

Strong expertise in standard and engineering polymers.

Cable Compounds

Demonstrated expertise in:

• Insulation compounds
• Jacketing compounds
• Conductive compounds
• Semi-conductive compounds
• Medium- and high-voltage cable applications

Processing Technologies

Solid knowledge of compounding, extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, Mixing / kneading processes

Material Characterization

Strong understanding of: Rheology, Viscosity, Mechanical characterization, Thermal characterization, Electrical characterization of materials

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Quality control of compounds and finished products.
• Material performance analysis and qualification.
• Knowledge of technical specifications applicable to electrical cables.

Key Competencies

• Strong expertise in compound formulation and product development.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Innovation and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work in an industrial and multicultural environment.
• Strong communication skills across R&D, production, and quality teams.

Experience gained in Germany or France, where many leading industry players are concentrated, would be considered a significant advantage.

Robert Walters Belgium is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.