Regional Vulcanization Specialist

Are you an expert in vulcanization chemistry , surface prep , and elastomer-to-metal bonding across multi-plant environments? We are looking for a hands-on Regional Rubber-Metal Process Specialist to support our manufacturing operations and engineering teams across Mexico, Brazil, and the United States .

The Technical Challenge

Getting two fundamentally different materials—organic rubber compounds and metallic substrates—to form a permanent, indestructible bond under extreme heat, pressure, and dynamic fatigue. In this regional role, you will be the technical authority ensuring robust bonding processes and standardized quality across multiple facilities in the Americas.

What You’ll Do

• Regional Process Support: Drive process standardization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement for rubber-to-metal bonding operations across plants in MX, BR, and the US.
• Master the Bond: Optimize multi-stage substrate surface preparation (shot blasting, phosphating) and automated adhesive/primer application (e.g., Chemlok/Megum) to achieve zero debond failures across all sites.
• Control Vulcanization: Define optimal curing profiles, mold temperatures, degassing cycles, and press parameters based on compound rheology (MDR/ODR) data.
• Troubleshoot & Analyze: Lead complex failure analysis—distinguishing between stock tear, adhesive failure, and substrate failure—to resolve high-visibility plant scrap or field issues.
• Tooling & Launch: Partner with tooling engineers and compounders during APQP/PPAP phases for new regional product launches under IATF 16949 standards.
• Travel: Travel to regional plant sites as needed for process audits, new line commissions, and technical line-side support (~30–40% regional travel ).

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of hands-on process engineering experience in rubber-to-metal bonding (NVH, powertrain mounts, chassis bushings, dynamic dampers).
• Deep technical background in elastomer materials (NR, EPDM, NBR) and bonding chemistry.
• Experience with rubber molding presses (e.g., DESMA, Maplan, LWB, or similar).
• Multilingual capabilities: Professional proficiency in English is required; fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is a plus
• Ability to work effectively across cross-cultural engineering and manufacturing teams.
• B.S. in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.