Ashland.com

CAREERS

+ OUR VALUES

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS

MEET OUR PEOPLE

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

UNIVERSITY RECRUITMENT

CURRENT OPENINGS

Careers - Meet our People

View Video
QuickTime Movie or
Windows Media File

"I enjoy seeing how science and technology fit into real-life situations. We work very hard at Ashland, but it is certainly rewarding and lots of fun!"

Flavia
Research engineer
Global Technology
Casting Solutions
Dublin, Ohio

Day in the Life

The best part of my job is the work environment, including my co-workers and our laboratory installations. I enjoy the freedom to perform using my ideas, skills and abilities. I also appreciate the possibilities for personal and professional growth.

As a research engineer, I develop new products and technology to enhance the capabilities of our casting processes and to meet or support our customers' needs and expectations.

What's most challenging about this job is adapting to the dynamism of day-to-day situations. I deal with different materials and substances daily, and I am always seeking answers. This is undoubtedly a multi-disciplinary position.

Fortunately, I'm part of a team. I draw on the assistance of our analytical services group for more descriptive analyses; learn more about the various characteristics of substances from environmental, health and safety; and obtain direction and input on things like market tendencies and project priorities from our marketing group.

I usually work Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, I may sometimes need to arrive a little earlier or leave later, depending on experiments scheduled each week. A research engineer is required to travel as part of the job. It usually takes up about 20 percent of my time.

What most interested me about Ashland to begin with is that it's a worldwide company, with an active presence on all continents. I also was drawn by the numerous possibilities for personal and professional growth.

A potential research engineer candidate should know that we work very hard at Ashland. By the same token, it is certainly rewarding and lots of fun. Our employees are very competent professionals, and we have excellent installations. However, to be successful in this position, I believe you must have excellent technical capabilities, good laboratory practices, and personal and communication skills. We work with many people on a daily basis, so it is important to be able to get your message across. You must also be ethical - a person of integrity, in whom others can place their trust.

I've had many good times at Ashland, but one in particular showed me the regard Ashland holds for its employees. Awhile back, I learned I would have to work abroad, in Brazil, for a period of time. I was also told to spend some extra days there; not for work, but to visit with my parents and relatives. Not so bad, after all!