Senior R&D Engineer

Senior R&D Engineer Job Summary

The Senior R&D Engineer, reporting to the Director of R&D, is expected to be a recognized expert and a key and critical contributor providing strategic technical direction for major projects in Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) formulation, recycling, and exterior products. The individual is the company expert for a key product/process, making major product line extensions or major process changes and improvements.

This individual will develop significant new products to provide for long-term business impact and growth. Identifies and takes initiative to lead continuous improvement efforts.

• Develop and utilize new to the Company and new to the industry materials and processes, for WPC formulations to support a wide range of building products, including decking and profile products.
• Design and manage experiments for purposes such as generating new product prototypes, improving product performance, reducing scrap and formulation cost, and general problem solving, etc.
• Collaborate with multiple internal departments and external suppliers to set raw material specifications and prescribe inspection methods to ensure conformance.
• Required to present recommendations of technical direction for major projects and programs that impact a key product area and technology advancement.
• Expected to work cross functionally with Operations and other departments to set objectives and deliver solutions as needed.
• Supervise R&D Technicians directly and indirectly lead multi-functional teams.
• Maintain broad-based knowledge of the industry/market for a key product lines or components and is regarded as an expert on trends and technology in that area.
• Required to present program and project proposals with justification to R&D and other senior management.
• Integrate Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement in all projects.
• Work with external suppliers and partners to drive projects to the correct conclusion promptly.

Ph.D. with 3+ years relevant experience, MS with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience, or BS with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science Engineering, or Chemical Engineering are preferred.

• Significant direct experience with formulation and extrusion of polymer systems for outdoor use, preferably for building products.
• Demonstrated experience with the formulation of systems encompassing recycled plastics, weathering packages, and colorant systems.
• Working knowledge of outdoor and accelerated weathering test methods, product requirements, and equipment.
• Familiarity with US and International Building Code requirements, particularly for exterior Residential Building products.
• Competence with public speaking, contributions to technical literature, and Intellectual Property protection via Patents and Patent Applications.
• Strong background in manufacturing systems, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with internal (Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality) and external (contractors, vendors) customers.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes and technologies.

Engineering Cost Savings, Analytical Skills, Lean Six Sigma, Quality Management Systems, New Product Development Management systems including Stage-Gate, Manufacturing Systems, Production Processes, Extrusion, Problem Solving, Manufacturing Operations. Candidates should be data-driven decision-makers.

Candidate soft skills: good multitasking, experienced working well with vendors and contractors. Analytical. Good follow-up. Strong safety mindset. Works well with all levels of operational staff.