ABOUT THE JOB:

The Polymers Specialist will work on R&D projects within the growing RIMOWA innovation department, looking at new materials for the sustainable future of travel-goods and luggage. The Specialist will be responsible for providing expert insights, project management, and technical guidance to polymers and polymer-composite projects. The role requires technical skills paired with a curious mind and a flexible approach. This position will work both autonomously and collaboratively within the Innovation department and with Product Development, Quality and Production teams. The ideal candidate will possess the energy and motivation to conduct meaningful research and push forward the brand’s innovation and sustainability strategy. This position reports to the Innovation Manager.

YOUR TASK:

• Plan, manage and deliver various polymer and polymer-composite focussed R&D/innovation projects
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments, and evaluate various polymers and composite materials and associated additives, for applications in travel-goods and luggage
• Conduct and support various prototyping activities internally and with external partners
• Identify areas for product optimisation and improvement, especially in terms of performance and sustainability
• Project manage the compounding and processing of various polymers and their associated additives and materials
• Work closely with external partners and suppliers
• Create reports, presentations and briefings for internal teams and managers

YOUR PROFILE:

• You have a successfully completed scientific or technical degree as a polymer chemist, chemical engineer or comparable training
• You are enthusiastic about working in the luggage and travelgoods industry
• You are passionate about the creation and application of innovative and sustainable new materials
• a degree in chemical engineering or chemistry, specialising in polymer chemistry
• 3-5 years of experience with developing and selecting materials, especially polymers for automotive, consumer product or packaging applications
• Knowledge of recycled polymers and biobased polymers, which give you insights into their application in the fields mentioned above.
• Hands-on experience in assessing the environmental impact and recyclability of different material solutions
• Experience with additives, pigments and decorative films used in the consumer goods & packaging industries
• R&D experience working with external partners such as material suppliers, universities, and other research organisations
• Possessing a collaborative approach to project work whilst still able to work autonomously on multiple projects at any one time
• Ability to think flexibly and laterally, with a willingness to explore new solutions, test new ideas and concepts
• Good understanding of general sustainability topics related to design engineering and manufacturing
• Results-oriented, detail oriented
• Possess project management, time management, organisational, written and verbal communication skills
• Proven experience and proficiency in relevant software

YOUR BENEFITS:

• 30 days paid vacation per year
• Flexible working hours and home office
• International and interesting environment within the LVHM Group
• Individual development and coaching opportunities
• Exciting project opportunities
• 30% discount on the RIMOWA product range
• Company benefits (e.g. for sports, lifestyle, fashion, etc.)
• Regular private sales at RIMOWA and the LVMH Group
• RIMOWA Essential Cabin as a gift after the probationary period
• Company pension plan
• LVMH Heart Fund
• Good transport connections, employee parking, job ticket
• Great company canteen

Celebrating our inclusive and diverse culture is core to RIMOWA’s DNA. We know that for our business to thrive, we depend on having diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the countries in which we operate and to reflect our broad consumer base. We view diversity as one of the key enablers that helps our business to grow.