Principal Scientist Polymers

Principal Scientist - Polymers

WHY DO WE NEED YOU?

CertainTeed Residential Roofing is seeking a driven, talented, and experienced R D Principal Scientist to join their team, specializing in polymer science and engineering.

The R D Principal Scientist will lead the overall R D efforts for multiple roofing product portfolios, including polymer modified asphalt shingles, underlayment, and other related products. This individual will manage R D labs at multiple sites, ensuring the successful development and implementation of cutting-edge polymer technologies in the production of residential roofing products, driving raw material qualification, and championing product improvements. The role involves extensive collaboration with cross-functional groups such as operations, processing, purchasing, marketing, and other key stakeholders to drive product improvements and innovation. This individual will lead a team in developing cutting-edge polymer modified asphalt products, driving raw material qualification, and championing product improvements. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, advanced technical expertise, and a proven track record of new product development in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. The R D Principal Scientist will grow and develop the Polymer team to deliver business needs.

Lead project teams to develop polymer modified asphalt products, enhance product performance and qualify raw materials.

Develops and leads a high-performance team to execute and deliver on project objectives. Holds direct reports and project teams accountable in the appropriate manner. Communicates to all stakeholders from plant personnel, operations management, finance, purchasing, marketing, and research and development to drive projects.

Maintains technical competence in polymer chemistry, formulation, process technology, and product applications.

Interfaces with manufacturing facilities to build relationships and establish support to execute projects in a cross-functional environment.

Identifies opportunities that could impact sustainability with innovative solutions and works with R D, operations, and technical teams to develop and deploy.

Manages the Stage Gate process for team and individual projects including leading the technical components of Gate reviews and ensuring all related documentation is complete.

Develops and encourages innovation and Intellectual Property (IP) development and fosters IP development through the patent process with legal support.

Fosters a strong safety culture by proactively identifying risks, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols, and holding the team accountable for achieving and exceeding safety performance goals.

Essential Functions

Manages multiple projects simultaneously, on time, well documented and within budget to meet business and customer objectives. Presents data and results in oral and written form. Generate project timelines/plans, technical memos, research reports, and presentations to internal customers, project teams, and/or management.

Effectively leads cross functional teams by managing (either directly or indirectly) others to execute and deliver project objectives. Works closely with product management, operations, quality and codes/compliance.

Leads a group of R D engineers/technicians. Defines the associated tasks and milestones for research, and proposes the technical approach, cost estimates, and timeline.

Leads and/or executes strategic assignments related to either plant technology or equipment or business development by performing analyses, setting up action plans and coordinating/executing such actions that are necessary to achieve the business goal.

IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree with 15+ years of experience; Master's Degree with 10+ years of experience or PhD with 6+ years of experience in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, or other related disciplines. Relevant industrial R D experience required, preferably in polymer science.

3+ years in project leadership; managing large multi-departmental projects and managing R D portfolios.

3+ years of experience as a People Manager.

Expertise in polymer chemistry, formulation, processing, and characterization. In-depth understanding of polymer formulation structure-property relationships to enable new product development and achieve the specific functional performance.

Proven track record of bringing materials to industrial scale and successful product commercialization.

Lead projects within a structured process (Stage Gate), with proven contribution to product portfolio development and successful product launches.

Must have experience in a manufacturing environment and understand the principles of continuous production processes.

Statistical tools, data analysis, and drawing conclusions based on a collection of data and interpretation.

Experience with asphalt preferred.

Experience with building materials/building industry preferred.

LEGAL STATEMENT

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.