Senior Research and Development Scientist

Guardian Industries; Eastern Province; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Industries is seeking a Senior Development Scientist/Senior Research Engineer to advance thin film technologies for architectural glass in the Middle East. The position is based in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia or Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and involves developing new products and collaborating with global teams.

You will lead development projects, guide production transfers, and mentor scientists in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment focused on energy-efficient glass solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Experience in thin film technology (vacuum sputtering).
• Experience in experimentation and statistical analysis.
• Previous experience leading scientists or technicians.

Responsibilities

• Develop and launch new thin film technologies and products globally.
• Create and manage development plans and align with stakeholders.
• Lead change management during new product launches.
• Share knowledge and build capabilities across teams.
• Act as technical expert to support production teams and solve issues.
• Identify external best practices and bring improvements to processes.
• Apply structured development approach (e.g., stage gate methodology).
• Enhance technical understanding of products and processes.
• Present ideas and plans clearly to different stakeholders.
• Work in global, cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Collaborate closely with operations on product launch and transfer.

Skills

Thin film technology

Vacuum sputtering

Experimentation

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics

Master’s or PhD in relevant field

Tools

Zeiss

RGA

Plasma systems

QC lab equipment

Job description

Your Job

Guardian in Middle East is strengthening Glass Technology and Development (GTD) capability in the region, we are searching for Senior Development Scientist/ Senior Research Engineer, to be based in the Middle East (Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia or Ras Al Khaimah, UAE) and focuses on developing new products and technologies.

The selected candidate will work on innovations in large area sputter coating products and technologies for architectural glass application that reduce energy consumption, enhance building performance, and support sustainable design.

Our Team

The Research & Development team is a global, collaborative group focused on innovation in glass coating technologies. The team works closely with multiple functions to develop and launch advanced solutions for the market.

As part of this team, you will have the opportunity to apply your technical expertise, contribute to impactful projects, and grow within a dynamic and innovation-driven environment.

What You Will Do

• Develop and launch new thin film technologies and products globally
• Create and manage development plans and align with all stakeholders
• Lead change management during new product or technology launches
• Share knowledge and build capabilities across teams
• Act as technical expert to support production teams and solve issues
• Identify external best practices and bring improvements to processes
• Apply structured development approach (e.g., stage gate methodology)
• Enhance technical understanding of products and processes
• Present ideas and plans clearly to different stakeholders
• Work in global, cross-functional and multicultural teams
• Collaborate closely with operations on product launch and transfer

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics or related field
• Experience in thin film technology (vacuum sputtering)
• Experience in experimentation and statistical analysis
• Previous experience leading scientists or technicians

What Will Put You Ahead

• Master’s or PhD in relevant field
• Experience in thin film technologies (especially magnetron sputtering)
• Knowledge of process improvement (stability, quality, yield, throughput)
• Experience with coating and characterization tools (e.g., Zeiss, RGA, plasma systems)
• Experience with QC lab equipment and coating testing methods

Experience with coating and characterization tools (e.g., Zeiss, RGA, plasma systems)

Experience with QC lab equipment and coating testing methods

Knowledge of failure analysis and process improvement methods (FMEA)

Experience working on complex technical problems and solutions

Understanding of structured product/process development frameworks

Experience with thin film modeling and optical simulation tools

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.