Our operation is simple – we manufacture tires. But at Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Virginia (YTMV), we see it as moving the world. From the racetrack to Main Street, we put our customer’s destination at the heart of our work, ensuring the millions of tires we produce annually exceed expectations in quality, safety, and environmental consciousness. Rooted in Salem since 1989, we have a history of excellence in both our products and our people.

Do you like knowing how things work, getting to the bottom of a problem, and understanding what elements go into making a final product? Does the thought of using technical expertise + science light you up? You could be our next Compound Engineer! We’re looking for a problem-solver, with a passion for materials and manufacturing, to work hands-on in developing and testing compounds for Yokohama tires.

As the Compound Engineer, you’ll play a key role in developing and optimizing rubber compounds and process capabilities for tire manufacturing. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. In doing so, you will be responsible for:

• Developing specific compounds for tires in the YTMV production plant
• Qualifying new raw materials and participates in production trials as requested
• Using observation and recording skills to analyze and present technical data and solutions
• Preparing internal documents with minimal assistance
• Being a first line of defense for quality control within plant processes, compounding lab, and test data
• Performing a variety of testing throughout the mixing process including release testing on textiles and steel, picma tack testing on components, and antioxidant testing on mixed compounds
• Performing root-cause analysis on off-test material and disposition material, if necessary
• Managing departmental projects in addition to day-to-day responsibilities while remaining organized, consistent, and efficient

Our ideal candidate would have the following experience and attributes. However, we believe in a culture that recognizes not everyone’s path is the same. If you feel your knowledge and abilities will be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply. 

• The strong ability to prioritize projects and multi-task on a day-to-day basis
• You enjoy a “no day is ever the same” type work environment
• An ideal candidate would have previous experience in a Compound Engineering or similar role. We are open to all levels of experience as the best fit candidate will be hired at a level commensurate with their experience.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• You are comfortable in a manufacturing environment and have an interest in a technical, hands-on style career
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, a root-cause analysis background, and being math-oriented are desirable for this role
• Our best fit candidate will have experience in mixing technology and/or rubber production
• An understanding of quality standards and a commitment to uphold them throughout your work
• The desire to work as part of team, leveraging everyone’s strengths to reach goals and increase your skills

• An ideal candidate would have previous experience in a Compound Engineering or similar role. We are open to all levels of experience as the best fit candidate will be hired at a level commensurate with their experience.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field