Sr. Research Scientist; Metallurgy

Primary location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Relocation offered: No

Employment status: Full-Time

Travel: 11%-25%

Non-compete: No

Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

The estimated base salary range for this role is "$105,000 to $125,000" per year. Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors (salary may be adjusted based on geographic location).

It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company.

Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you will receive a benefits package including medical, dental, prescription drug, life insurance, 401k match, long-term disability coverage, vacation and sick time, product discount programs and many more. Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests. A working culture that balances individual achievement with teamwork and collaboration. We draw on each other's strengths and allow for different work styles to build engagement and satisfaction to deliver results.

Located at the Armstrong World Industries headquarters in Lancaster, PA, the Sr Research Scientist (Metallurgy) – Research & Development will be responsible for leading materials innovation for interior and exterior architectural metal systems by integrating metallurgy, surface engineering, coatings science, manufacturing processes, and durability performance. This individual will serve as the subject matter expert in metallurgy and metal mechanics – driving research and integration of metal substrates and surface technologies into building products.

This position collaborates closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Marketing, Operations and interior and exterior metal business teams and reports to the R&D Manager – Coatings Science.

• Drive Innovation in Architectural Metals – Lead cutting‑edge R&D in metallurgy, coatings, corrosion science, and sustainable material technologies that shape the future of building products.
• Be the Technical Expert – Serve as AWI's metallurgy subject matter expert, influencing product performance, manufacturing processes, and next‑generation material solutions.
• Own Projects from Research to Reality – Influence product development, patent creation, and manufacturing implementation while bringing innovative ideas from concept to commercialization.

• Lead research and development of metal ceiling and wall systems utilizing aluminum, steel, and specialty alloys.
• Apply principles of physical metallurgy, deformation mechanics, and metal forming science to improve structural integrity, flatness, dimensional stability, manufacturability, and long-term product performance.
• Develop integrated material systems by evaluating interactions among alloy chemistry, fabrication methods, surface preparation, coatings, and environmental exposure.
• Evaluate relationships between alloy selection, fabrication processes, surface condition, and subsequent finishing and corrosion performance.
• Support optimization of bending, punching, roll forming, stamping, and fabrication processes while identifying opportunities where material selection or metallurgy can improve manufacturing robustness and product quality.
• Evaluate the use of emerging and specialty alloys to improve performance, sustainability, durability, and aesthetics of existing and future architectural products.

• Develop and optimize surface preparation processes including cleaning, pretreatment, conversion coatings, and surface activation.
• Lead formulation and evaluation of finishes including patinas, clear coats, powder coatings, printing technologies, dye sublimation.
• Evaluate and implement protective films and temporary coatings to preserve cosmetic quality during fabrication, shipping, and installation.

• Lead failure…