Job Description
Job Description
Material Scientist – Rubber & Urethane Rollers
POSITION OVERVIEW
ABBA Roller is seeking a Material Scientist with hands-on experience in rubber and polyurethane materials to support and expand our industrial roller manufacturing and recovering operations. This role is critical to ensuring material performance, consistency, and differentiation across demanding web-handling, converting, coating, laminating, and extrusion applications.
About ABBA: ABBA Roller specializes in high-performance urethane rollers and custom elastomer solutions for industrial and commercial applications. We support customers across diverse industries with durable, precision-engineered products.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Material Formulation & Development
• Develop, modify, and optimize rubber and polyurethane formulations used in industrial rollers.
• Tailor materials for durometer, chemical resistance, abrasion, compression set, and temperature performance.
• Support development of specialty roller covers such as low-durometer applicators, high-release, anti-marking, and high-wear compounds.
Testing, Analysis & Quality Support
• Perform and interpret lab testing including durometer, tensile, abrasion, compression set, and chemical swell testing.
• Analyze failed rollers and returned components for root cause.
• Maintain formulation records, batch traceability, and testing documentation.
Manufacturing & Process Support
• Support rubber mixing, urethane casting, curing, and finishing operations.
• Assist with process troubleshooting, cure optimization, and scrap reduction.
• Support scale-up from lab to production.
Application Engineering & Customer Support
• Support sales and customers with application-based material recommendations.
• Evaluate web tension, nip load, speed, temperature, and chemical exposure.
• Assist with customer trials and competitive material comparisons.
Continuous Improvement
• Support DOE initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Stay current with ASTM standards and elastomer trends.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Science.
• 3+ years experience in rubber or polyurethane manufacturing.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Familiar with ISP9001
PREFERRED
• Industrial roller or web-handling experience.
• Cast polyurethane experience.
• Customer-facing technical support experience.
WHY ABBA
This role directly impacts roller performance, customer success, and competitive differentiation.
Benefits:
At ABBA Roller, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.
ABBA Roller is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact Human Resources.
This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees, as required by U.S. export control laws.