Research Engineer – Transportation

Research Engineer – Transportation (Thermoplastics & Product Commercialization)

Join a collaborative, highly technical team focused on bringing next-generation polymer-based materials to market across North American transportation segments. In this role, you’ll lead development programs that take thermoplastic compounds and master batches from concept through scale-up and commercialization—partnering closely with customers and cross-functional teams to solve real performance challenges and deliver differentiated, production-ready solutions. This is a fully onsite position, open to working from Cuyahoga Falls, OH (preferred) or Morrisville, PA, with the opportunity to make a direct impact on strategic growth priorities in transportation markets.

• Proven experience developing and commercializing thermoplastic polymer-based compounds and/or master batches (aerospace high-performance polymer development experience is also relevant)
• Ability to support R&D from concept development through commercialization
  , including scale-up and manufacturing support
• Strong hands‑on knowledge of polymer processing, compounding, and formulation development
• Understanding of thermoplastics manufacturing processes and automation
• Working knowledge of DOE (Design of Experiments), statistical analysis, and data‑driven product development
• Strong communication, presentation, and cross‑functional collaboration skills (internal teams and customers)
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and drive timelines, deliverables, and quality expectations

• Experience with engineering thermoplastics
  , polyolefins
  , and twin‑screw extrusion
• Background in transportation material qualification
• Familiarity with automotive and/or aerospace OEM specifications
• Experience with weatherable materials
  , flame‑retardant systems
  , and/or color‑critical applications
• Exposure to stage‑gate or structured innovation/product development systems
• Interest or experience integrating sustainability targets (e.g., recyclability, bio‑based content, durability)

• M.S. preferred in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field (Ph.D. or advanced degree also valued)
• Bachelor’s degree considered with strong, hands‑on industry experience
• 5+ years of experience developing and commercializing thermoplastic polymer compounds/master batches for transportation markets (e.g., automotive, aerospace, defense, recreational, utility vehicles)

Estimated Min Rate: $98000.00

Estimated Max Rate: $140000.00

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Met Life Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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