Tire Materials Engineer

Reporting directly to the Senior R&D Manager, the Tire Materials Engineer is responsible for identifying process improvement opportunities, implementing new rubber compounds and reinforcement materials, and driving product improvements through material and compound innovations. This role supports manufacturing excellence by ensuring robust, efficient, and sustainable tire production processes.

Responsibilities

• Implement departmental policies, strategies, and objectives that support Nokian Tyres operational and sustainability goals.
• Lead the development, validation, and implementation of raw materials, reinforcement materials, rubber compounds, manufacturing processes, and equipment improvements to ensure product manufacturability, efficiency, and profitability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to compound development, material performance, manufacturing methods, and process control.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain, to introduce new materials, technologies, and best practices
• Ensure compound and material implementation complies with Nokian Tyres Quality Management System and global standards.
• Support new product introductions through stable, capable manufacturing processes and robust material performance.
• Promote Lean manufacturing principles and safe work practices consistent with Nokian Tyres values.
• Maintain high product quality, in particular high rubber compound quality, and manufacturing yields while ensuring optimal resource utilization and adherence to safety standards. Support the implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives.
• Analyze current processes and practices, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions.
• Share technical knowledge and best practices with colleagues across the organization.
• Provide technical support and collaboration to other departments as needed.
• Lead by example through positive reinforcement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical challenges through in-depth analysis, sound judgment, and creative problem-solving.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to establish challenging objectives and achieve results through collaboration and team engagement.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a root-cause-analysis mindset.
• Working knowledge of applied statistics, Design of Experiments (DOE), cause-and-effect analysis, risk assessment methodologies, Lean Manufacturing principles, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Strong understanding of rubber compounding, reinforcement materials, and tire manufacturing processes.
• High attention to detail with a focus on prevention-based quality systems.
• Experience with error-proofing methodologies and risk mitigation techniques.

Requirements

• Minimum of seven (7) years of industrial or manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience in the tire industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced degree (MBA or M.S.) preferred but not required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as business needs require.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements and Demands

The physical demands and work environment described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

• When present in designated production areas, employees are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include safety-toe footwear, safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, and other PPE as required by risk assessments or site policies.
• Ability to move throughout office and manufacturing environments, including walking, standing, and occasionally climbing stairs or work platforms.
• Ability to navigate varying walking surfaces, including concrete floors, grated platforms, and industrial stairways.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for keyboarding, writing, handling documents, and operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to inspect equipment, processes, and work areas to identify hazards, nonconformances, and operational deviations.
• Ability to recognize safety signals, alarms, and changing workplace conditions and to effectively communicate technical and safety information.

Work Environment

• This position is primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility and requires regular presence in production areas.
• While in production areas, employees may be exposed to noise, moving machinery, industrial vehicles (e.g., forklifts), and other manufacturing-related hazards.
• Temperatures in production areas may vary seasonally and range from approximately 65°F to 100°F.
• Raw materials used in manufacturing may include oils, rubber compounds, carbon black, and other industrial materials. Employees may encounter odors and airborne particulates consistent with a manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance day one
• 401(k) eligible after one month
• 401(k) matching 100% on first 6%
• Short-term incentive plan
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Onsite fitness facility
• Wellness benefits
• Career advancement opportunities

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Nokian Tyres is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.