Thermoplastic Material Development R&D Lead Supervisor

Location: Bayport

ANDERSEN CORPORATION

SUMMARY:

At Andersen, we see possibility everywhere, every day and in everything we do. The possibility for our employees to achieve their full potential, for our communities to be stronger and for everyone to have a healthier, happier place to live.

Our portfolio of brands — Andersen Windows & Doors, Renewal by Andersen and Fenetres MQ — is crafted to serve customers across the new residential, home improvement and light commercial building sector.

Join our more than 13,000 employees who are inspired every day to deliver exceptional experiences that turn possibility into reality.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Want to be a part of the team that is taking thermoplastics to the next level?

Andersen is seeking an experienced materials engineering leader to drive innovation in thermoplastic neat (non‑reinforced) material technologies that power our diverse product portfolio. Whether individually owned or team‑based, you will lead high‑impact R&D efforts to enhance material performance, improve quality, reduce cost and waste, and enable new thermoplastic technologies from concept through commercialization. You will provide technical and strategic leadership while coaching and mentoring a team of materials engineers, fostering strong scientific thinking, technical growth, and project ownership.

In this role, you will champion a rigorous scientific approach to problem solving and partner closely with cross-functional teams to prioritize and deliver projects with clear business value. Serving as the technical voice for thermoplastic neat materials across the organization, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape materials strategy, influence key business outcomes, and lead innovation MARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as an engineering lead in the Thermoplastics and Extrusion Development (TED) group with a focus on thermoplastic neat (non-reinforced) materials

Provide leadership, coaching & development, and strategic technical direction to thermoplastic materials team Drive accountability in thermoplastic team to meet Objective Key Result (OKR) project milestones and provide progress updates to leadership

Establish and sustain robust and collaborative relationships with key partners and suppliers

Identify, scope, and prioritize new process and innovation opportunities in collaboration with business partners

Maintain priority alignment in collaboration with business partners

Develop clear proposals and gain leadership alignment on innovation initiatives

Lead and manage projects through stage-gate project management processes

Use a science-based approach and tools to solve complex technical problems with practical solutions (i.e., Design of Experiments, process mapping, capability analysis, FMEA, MSA)
Work independently and collaboratively on most aspects of work, only requiring general direction with occasional work review

Create and execute test plans, along with writing and reviewing test reports and update specifications to capture Andersen knowledge

Stay abreast of industry technology developments relevant to thermoplastic neat materials and explore their use in Andersen products

Communicate effectively at all levels—technical teams, leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional partners—through clear, concise written and verbal communication

Travel up to 20% to support development activities, trials, supplier engagements, and cross‑functional collaboration

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

MUST HAVE

QUALIFICATIONS:

B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, or related engineering field with 8–10+ years of experience in product, process, or technology development

Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional innovation or material development projects

Experience in performance management, coaching, and mentoring technical contributors

Proven track record in technical strategy development and deployment

Ability to lead teams and drive results through ambiguity, shifting priorities, and early‑stage innovation activities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and influence decision-making

Strong scientific, data-driven approach…