Product Technologist in Melbourne

Puma Energy Bitumen Australia has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated scientist or engineer to join our technical team at our global technical centre in Altona North, Victoria. The successful candidate will work as part of the technical team to evaluate a range of bitumen sources, raw materials, and alternative materials for use in Australian road paving applications. The role is primarily focused on laboratory-based product development, involving bitumen formulation, blending and performance testing. This is a hands-on technical role suited to someone who enjoys practical laboratory work, problem solving and applying scientific principles to real-world products and applications. No prior experience in bitumen testing is required. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive on-the-job training and will have the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in bitumen chemistry, rheology, and road paving materials.

Key responsibilities:

• Formulate, blend and test bituminous materials in accordance with relevant standard test methods;
• Evaluate a range of bitumen sources, feedstocks, and alternative raw materials for use as bitumen replacements or additives;
• Operate and maintain specialised laboratory equipment;
• Analyse experimental data and communicate results and recommendations to technical team members;
• Contribute to product development, improvement, and technical investigations;
• Perform routine quality control (QC) testing of bitumen products as required;
• Work safely and comply with all company health, safety, and environmental requirements, including participating in safety training and conducting routine laboratory safety inspections;
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe laboratory workspace;
• Contribute to the maintenance, calibration, and upkeep of laboratory equipment.

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification (BSc, MSc, or PhD) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, such as chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or civil engineering;
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, either in industry or academia;
• Strong commitment to health and safety, with the ability to safely work with hot materials, laboratory equipment, and hazardous chemicals;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail;
• Self-motivated, driven, and enthusiastic, with a willingness to learn and develop new technical skills;
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel;
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to a range of stakeholders;
• A commercially minded approach, with an understanding of how technical projects can create value for the business and its customers.

Non-essential but highly regarded:

• Theoretical understanding of rheological concepts relating to viscoelastic materials, including complex modulus and phase angle, and practical experience using dynamic shear rheometers;
• Knowledge of the chemistry and rheology of bitumen;
• Knowledge or experience within the asphalt, bitumen, or road paving industry;
• Knowledge or experience with sustainable, recycled, or renewable materials.

Puma Energy is committed to providing safe workplaces. Drug and alcohol testing forms part of the selection process. The successful applicant will be required to provide evidence of their legal right to work in Australia.