2026-May-11 to 2026-Jun-12

POLYMER ENGINEER / TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

RUBBERGEM
EAST ROCKINGHAM, WA 6168
FULL TIME PERMANENT
SALARY: $120k TO $168k PER YEAR

Position Overview

The Polymer Engineer / Technical Director is responsible for leading the technical development, optimisation, and commercial application of RubberGem's recycled rubber technologies.

This role will focus on improving the performance and processing of devulcanized rubber (DVR) derived from Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres and conveyor belting, developing commercially viable rubber compounds, and supporting the scaling of RubberGem's recycling and manufacturing operations.

The position combines hands-on engineering, laboratory development, production troubleshooting, and strategic technical leadership, ensuring RubberGem maintains a competitive advantage in recycled rubber materials and sustainable rubber products.

Key Responsibilities

1. Devulcanization Technology Development

- Lead the optimisation of RubberGem's devulcanization processes for tyre and conveyor belt rubber.
- Improve rubber DVR quality, consistency, and processing characteristics.
- Develop methods to maximise rubber replacement levels in compounds while maintaining performance properties.
- Work closely with equipment suppliers to refine plant design and operating parameters.

2. Rubber Compound Development

- Develop and optimise rubber compounds incorporating devulcanized rubber for various applications including:

- Conveyor belting
- Rubber matting
- Automotive components
- General rubber goods





Conduct cost-performance optimisation by replacing high-value ingredients such as:
- Natural Rubber (NR)
- Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
- Carbon black

Provide formulation guidelines for customers incorporating DVR into their compounds.

3. Manufacturing & Process Optimisation

- Support production teams in improving:

- Mixing efficiency
- Cure systems
- Cycle times
- Mold filling and flashing

Optimise curing parameters including T2, scorch safety, and cure kinetics. Troubleshoot issues such as:
- Short molding
- Viscosity management
- Dispersion issues
- Process instability.

4. Product Development

Lead the development of new recycled rubber products including:

- Agricultural rubber matting
- Industrial flooring
- Conveyor belt materials
- Custom moulded rubber products

Ensure products meet commercial performance, durability, and cost targets.

5. Technical Leadership

- Establish RubberGem as a technical authority in devulcanized rubber materials.
- Lead technical engagement with:

- Mining companies
- Conveyor belt manufacturers
- Rubber compounders
- International recycling partners.

Provide technical support for commercial negotiations and partnerships.

6. Testing & Quality Systems

- Establish and oversee a rubber testing laboratory capability,



including:

- Rheometry
- Tensile and elongation testing
- Abrasion testing
- Cure analysis

Develop quality control standards for devulcanized rubber products.

7. Research & Innovation

- Identify new opportunities for high-value recycled rubber materials.
- Explore technologies such as:

- Butyl rubber recovery from tyres
- Advanced devulcanization
- High-content recycled rubber compounds.

Collaborate with international partners and research institutions.

8. Commercial Support

- Assist the commercial team in demonstrating the technical and economic advantages of RubberGem materials.
- Support customers with:

- Compound formulation trials
- Process recommendations
- Performance validation.

Skills and Experience

Essential

- Degree in Polymer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science
- Extensive experience in rubber compounding and processing
- Strong knowledge of:

- NR / SBR / BR compounds
- Sulphur cure systems
- Rheology and cure behaviour

Experience in industrial rubber manufacturing

Highly Desirable

- Experience with reclaimed or devulcanized rubber
- Experience in conveyor belt or heavy industrial rubber products
- Experience scaling pilot technologies to commercial production

Personal Attributes

- Practical and hands-on problem solver
- Robust analytical and troubleshooting capability
- Ability to work
- Commercially minded with strong communication skills
- Comfortable working closely with production teams.

SALARY: $120k TO $168k PER YEAR

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