Sierra Ross
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Technical service and application development expert specializing in recycled polyethylene across diverse packaging applications. Expertise in blown film processing and polymer characterization, coupled with a strong ability to address customer challenges and optimize processing. Engaged in project management and continuous improvement initiatives that drive sustainability and product excellence.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Application Development Specialist – rPE
NOVA Chemicals
Calgary, Canada
08.2025 - Current
- Provide technical expertise and application support for recycled polyethylene (rPE) solutions across flexible packaging markets, including heavy-duty sacks, bag liner films, e-commerce packaging, and food packaging applications.
- Partner with Circular Solutions, account managers, market managers, product scientists, quality teams, and laboratory personnel to develop customer-focused technical solutions.
- Support customer adoption of recycled materials by evaluating performance requirements, processing considerations, and application suitability.
- Created technical marketing materials, presentations, and application collateral to effectively communicate value proposition and performance benefits of recycled polyethylene products.
- Support commercialization activities by connecting customer needs, technical requirements, and product capabilities.
Technical Service Specialist – Consumer & Industrial Films
NOVA Chemicals
Calgary, Canada
07.2022 - 08.2025
- Delivered technical service support to polyethylene film customers through product selection guidance, application development, processing optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Investigated customer complaints and processing challenges by analyzing data, identifying root causes, and recommending technical solutions.
- Supported customer trials and product development initiatives, including blown film evaluations and performance testing.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with sales, marketing, product management, quality, and R&D teams to deliver customer solutions.
- Created technical documentation, customer presentations, and conference materials to communicate product performance and application benefits.
9-Layer Blown Film Specialist / Applications Technologist
NOVA Chemicals
Calgary, Canada
10.2018 - 07.2022
- Operated and supported a 9-layer blown film line, including film design, processing optimization, and evaluation of polyethylene structures.
- Produced mono-layer and multi-layer polyethylene blown films for application development, customer trials, product qualification, and quality control.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives for film processing, testing methods, and laboratory operations, enhancing overall workflow and product quality.
- Coordinated laboratory requests through collaboration with scientists, technical service representatives, customers, and internal teams, ensuring timely testing and delivery of technical insights.
- Acted as a member of the Emergency Response Team, Radiation Safety Officer, EOC Drill Coordinator, and WIRE meeting facilitator.
Physical Test Laboratory Technologist (Contract Position)
NOVA Chemicals
Calgary, Canada
11.2016 - 10.2018
- Conducted physical testing and characterization of polyethylene materials using a variety of analytical methods and laboratory equipment.
- Generated technical data to support internal development projects and meet external customer requirements.
- Participated in test method evaluations and improvement studies to improve data quality and ensure laboratory reliability.
Assistant Chemist / Customer Service Representative / Shipping Administrator
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
Canmore, Canada
09.2015 - 05.2016
- Facilitated development and commercialization of sun care product line, including sunscreen, after-sun butter, and SPF lip balm, contributing to brand expansion.
- Conducted formulation development, stability testing, packaging evaluations, and product performance assessments.
- Collaborated directly with the Head Chemist, Chief Marketing Officer, and company owner to bring products from concept through launch.
- Handled customer communications by addressing product questions, feedback, and concerns promptly and professionally, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated shipping operations through order processing and payment invoicing, ensuring timely delivery and accurate transactions.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science - Engineering Chemistry
Queen’s University
Kingston, ON06-2015
Skills
- Recycled polyethylene solutions
- Blown film extrusion
- Polyethylene processing and applications
- Technical support
- Product development
- Technical marketing materials
- Technical documentation
- Project collaboration
- Polymer characterization and physical testing
Certification
- Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF), B2 Level
- French Immersion Certificate
- Full Class 5 Alberta Driver’s License
Volunteer Experience
Girl Guides of Canada, Unit Leader (2018- 2021) Collaborated with fellow leaders to plan and deliver activities, camps, challenges, and community events for girls ages 9–11., Developed engaging programming focused on leadership, teamwork, creativity, and personal growth., Coordinated logistics and ensured safe, inclusive, and positive experiences for participants.
Phone - Number
403-826-8324
Hobbies and Interests
- Trail running & hiking
- Downhill & cross-country skiing
- Road & mountain biking
- Travel & camping
- Music & reading
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
Timeline
Application Development Specialist – rPE
NOVA Chemicals
08.2025 - Current
Technical Service Specialist – Consumer & Industrial Films
NOVA Chemicals
07.2022 - 08.2025
9-Layer Blown Film Specialist / Applications Technologist
NOVA Chemicals
10.2018 - 07.2022
Physical Test Laboratory Technologist (Contract Position)
NOVA Chemicals
11.2016 - 10.2018
Assistant Chemist / Customer Service Representative / Shipping Administrator
Rocky Mountain Soap Company
09.2015 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Applied Science - Engineering Chemistry
Queen’s University