Engineer R & D

The R&D Process Engineer, Polymer & Coatings is responsible for developing, optimizing, and scaling innovative polymer, adhesive, coating, and material technologies that support Owens Corning's growth, product performance, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability objectives. This role combines hands-on process engineering, material science knowledge, and critical thinking to transform new concepts into commercially viable manufacturing solutions.

The Process Engineer serves as a key technical contributor within the Material and Process Innovation (MPI) organization by leading process development, conducting laboratory and pilot-scale evaluations, supporting manufacturing implementation, and providing technical expertise in polymer chemistry, adhesives, coatings, and material processing. The position requires strong analytical capability, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for solving complex product and process challenges through experimentation, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

JOB DESCRIPTION The R&D Process Engineer, Polymer & Coatings supports the development and commercialization of new products, formulations, materials, and manufacturing processes across the Doors business. The role is responsible for driving technical breakthroughs related to polymers, adhesives, coatings, composites, and material systems while ensuring manufacturability, product performance, and operational excellence.

Working closely with scientists, technicians, manufacturing teams, suppliers, quality, engineering, and commercial partners, this individual develops a deep understanding of the relationships between raw materials, chemistry, equipment, processing conditions, and final product performance. The engineer is expected to translate laboratory discoveries into scalable manufacturing processes through pilot trials, process optimization, and plant implementation activities.

This position requires a strong foundation in polymer science, adhesive systems, coatings technology, materials processing, and process engineering principles. Success in the role depends on the ability to combine technical expertise with practical manufacturing knowledge, critical thinking, Lead development and optimization of polymer, adhesive, coating, and material technologies to improve product performance, manufacturing efficiency, sustainability, and cost competitiveness.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:  10 % – 20%
RESPONSIBILITIES Design, execute, and analyze laboratory, pilot-scale, and manufacturing trials that validate product concepts and process improvements.

Develop a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, coatings behavior, cure mechanisms, adhesion science, rheology, material interactions, and processing fundamentals.

Apply experimental design, statistical analysis, and scientific methods to investigate technical challenges and identify robust solutions.

Support scale-up of new technologies from concept and laboratory validation through pilot evaluation and commercial manufacturing implementation.

Partner closely with manufacturing operations to optimize process capability, throughput, yield, quality, reliability, and safety.

Troubleshoot product, material, equipment, and process performance issues using structured root-cause analysis methodologies.

Evaluate raw materials, formulations, additives, coatings, adhesives, and processing technologies for potential implementation.

Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to identify emerging technologies and accelerate innovation opportunities.

Generate technical reports, recommendations, design standards, process specifications, and development documentation.

Support qualification and commissioning of new equipment, process technologies, and manufacturing systems.

Develop and maintain process windows, operating parameters, control strategies, and manufacturing best practices.

Provide technical leadership on cross-functional project teams involving R&D, Operations, Quality, Tooling, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Commercial organizations.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, process robustness, product quality, and operational excellence.

Support customer evaluations, plant trials, startup activities, and commercialization efforts as needed.

Travel to manufacturing locations, suppliers, research partners, and customer facilities to support development and implementation activities.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, coatings technology,…