Lead Extrusion/Polymer Specialist (Two Positions Available)

Salary $44,641.00 Annually
Location  Belmont, NC
Job Type Full-Time Regular Staff
Job Number 2022-00692
Division Textile Technology Center
Department Fiber Innovation Center
Opening Date 11/20/2025

SUMMARY

Open until filled-

Lead and perform duties related to textile product and polymer development including safe set-up, operation, and monitoring of equipment and processes used in fiber extrusion, yarn processing, and polymer synthesis. Responsibilities include proper machine set-up, operation, maintenance, and quality material processing per specifications and documentation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for performing the duties and responsibilities of the position in a safe manner while demonstrating knowledge, understanding, and adherence to applicable safety procedures, rules, and expectations.
2. Schedule and perform work as assigned in the development of new products through the operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment for fiber and polymer processing. Document operating procedures and equipment specifications as needed.
3. Read and follow production work orders, processing instructions, and operation manuals to ensure accurate and quality machine set-up and material processing.
4. Responsible for safe machine set-up, operation, and quality of materials processed in fiber extrusion and yarn preparation activities.
5. Perform fiber extrusion, drawing, heat setting, winding, texturing, and related operations as needed.
6. Operate a polymer synthesis reactor used to prepare, modify, or blend polymers for fiber extrusion. Follow procedures for charging materials, controlling reaction conditions, sampling, documentation, and safe chemical handling.
7. Collaborate with industry partners to analyze and determine optimal design conditions, conduct experiments, and evaluate fiber and polymer properties.
8. Operate and observe equipment to detect malfunctions or defects and adjust controls as needed. Responsible for efficiency and quality reports.
9. Maintain records and reports for all technical assistance projects, classes, and activities.
10. Perform routine maintenance and preventive maintenance on laboratories and equipment. Troubleshoot, fix, adjust, and test machinery to ensure reliable performance.
11. Design or create new applications, ideas, and systems to achieve established goals.
12. Collaborate with internal and external customers to support downstream processes such as carding, spinning, fabric formation, and dyeing.
13. Establish and maintain industry contacts and support technical needs.
14. Maintain high professional and ethical standards while representing the College.
15. Attend staff meetings and other related special meetings as required.
16. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution and at least three (3) years of relevant experience, OR High school diploma or equivalent and at least five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Technical training in machine maintenance, electronics, or chemical processing preferred.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in textile manufacturing, fiber extrusion, polymer processing, or related industrial experience required.
• Experience with public interaction and customer service preferred.
• Experience in downstream textile processing preferred.
• Experience maintaining textile or polymer processing equipment preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb and crawl on and around machinery.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to typical elements associated with textile manufacturing and laboratory environments.

BENEFITS

Gaston College provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.  We are continuously investigating new benefit offerings that are responsive to the needs of our regular** employees.

• State Health Plan
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Additional Supplemental Insurances
• NC State Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Retirement Plans
• Disability Benefits, Long- and Short-Term
• Longevity Pay
• State Employees' Credit Union Eligibility
• Leave (Vacation, Sick, FMLA, Civil and Military, Child/Student Involvement, Education, and Voluntary Shared)
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Advancement Compensation
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discount Program
• Benefits Overview Booklet

**Please note:   Temporary (part-time) employees do not earn benefits.

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