OPT Materials Engineer Jobs

INTRODUCTION

Headquartered in Old Saybrook, CT, Infiltrator Water Technologies is the leading provider of engineered plastic chambers, synthetic aggregates, tanks, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and accessories for the onsite/decentralized wastewater and storm water management industries. The majority of Infiltrator products are manufactured from recycled plastic. Founded in 1987, we operate throughout the US and Canada with 8 manufacturing plants in the US, dedicated sales, and corporate team members. Infiltrator is a pioneer in innovative plastic technologies for underground water management. Infiltrator components are used in most onsite septic systems installed in the United States and Canada. Infiltrator is a proud Corporate Partner of Habitat for Humanity and each year donates components for 50 septic systems serving Habitat homes in North America. Infiltrator is committed to advancing the state of the art in all fronts, including product design, manufacturing, materials, wastewater science, marketing, management, and employee development. In other words, we strive to be the best we can be.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Materials Engineer with experience in polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) within a production environment. This role blends traditional materials engineering with modern, data-driven approaches by leveraging programming, automation, and advanced analytics to improve material performance, consistency, and cost.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong curiosity and a bias for action, comfortable working at the intersection of materials science, manufacturing, and digital technology. You will play a critical role in supporting 24/7 production operations, partnering closely with manufacturing, quality, and materials teams to solve problems in real time while driving continuous improvement.

This is a high-impact, future-oriented position within a growth industry and market leader, offering the opportunity to work alongside a strong team of experienced engineers and subject matter experts. You will contribute directly to advancing how materials are developed, evaluated, and optimized—helping shape the next generation of products and processes through innovation, sustainability, and the application of modern technology.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support daily material decision-making for raw materials and blend silos to ensure manufacturing requirements (specifications, volumes, and availability) are consistently met
• Develop and recommend material blending strategies, including batch deviations, silo assignments, and blend formulations to achieve required molded part performance
• Partner closely with the Materials Processing team to manage the daily blending of recycled and virgin polymers, ensuring optimal use of wide-spec and prime materials
• Interpret polymer test data in collaboration with the in-house lab and translate results into clear, actionable process and material adjustments
• Evaluate incoming and purchased recycled materials; recommend sourcing decisions based on material properties, performance, and cost
• Drive material cost optimization while maintaining strict adherence to part performance specifications
• Provide technical expertise in PP/PE materials and recycled polymers, supporting both production and ongoing material development initiatives
• Apply data-driven and analytical approaches, including programming or automation tools where applicable, to improve material selection, blending decisions, and process efficiency
• Maintain close collaboration with the in-house polymer laboratory, ensuring effective use of testing capabilities to support rapid, informed decision-making
• Actively support 24/7 production operations, including availability to respond to critical material or process issues as needed
• Continuously identify and implement opportunities for process improvement, material innovation, and increased operational efficiency across materials and manufacturing workflows

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience working with polypropylene (PP) and/or polyethylene (PE) materials in a manufacturing, R&D, or materials engineering environment
• Experience with recycled or reprocessed PP/PE materials preferred, but not required
• Bachelor’s degree required in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated understanding of plastic–property relationships, particularly for PP and PE systems
• Familiarity with polymer testing and characterization methods (e.g., mechanical testing, thermal analysis, rheology, or similar) preferred
• Exposure to plastic processing methods (e.g., injection molding, extrusion, compounding) is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret material performance and support formulation or process decisions
• Experience or coursework in programming, data analysis, or databases (e.g., Python, SQL, MATLAB, or similar) strongly preferred
• Interest or experience in machine learning, AI, or data-driven materials development is highly desirable
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, and procurement)
• Self-driven with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills with ability to lead and influence peers
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and experience working with AI agents
• Must be willing to work in the Lexington, KY area

COMPANY BENEFITS:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy, an employee assistance program (EAP), and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning, paid parental leave, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), adoption financial reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

• 100% paid by ADS.

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.