Principal Scientist

Plastic Executive Recruiters; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Plastic Executive Recruiters seeks a Principal TPO Scientist for a leading Wisconsin-based manufacturer of commercial building products. You will be a senior technical leader shaping next-generation TPO membrane technology and translating customer needs into innovative products.

This highly visible role covers polymer science, formulation, process optimization, IP, scale-up, and commercialization, with opportunities to mentor staff and contribute to long-term technical roadmaps.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive R&D experience involving TPO, polyolefin formulation chemistry, membrane technology, polymer materials, or related process engineering.

Responsibilities

• Define the long-term technical direction of TPO membrane technology and establish IP and relationships with universities and industry.
• Lead product development from concept to commercial launch, including formulation, lab development, pilot trials, and scale-up.
• Develop next-generation membrane technologies across multiple product platforms and contribute to the technical roadmap.
• Advance TPO formulation technology including UV stabilization, polymer morphology, and cost optimization.
• Bridge lab research and manufacturing through troubleshooting extrusion, calendering, and scrim encapsulation processes.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Materials Science

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Rheometry

Job description

A leading manufacturer of commercial building products is seeking a Principal TPO Scientist to serve as a senior technical leader within its R&D organization. This individual will help define the next generation of commercial roofing membrane technology, working closely with Product Development, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other technical teams to translate unmet customer needs into innovative, commercially viable products.

This is a highly visible technical role with responsibility spanning fundamental polymer science, formulation development, process optimization, intellectual property, scale-up, and commercialization.

What You’ll Do

• Shape the long-term technical direction of TPO membrane technology by evaluating emerging polymer chemistries, developing intellectual property, and establishing relationships with universities, suppliers, and external research organizations.
• Lead product development from early-stage concepts through formulation, laboratory development, pilot trials, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial launch.
• Develop next-generation membrane technologies across multiple product platforms and contribute to the organization’s multi-year technical roadmap.
• Advance TPO formulation technology, including UV stabilization, polyolefin blend morphology, scrim encapsulation, durability, sustainability, and cost optimization.
• Bridge laboratory research and manufacturing implementation by troubleshooting extrusion, calendering, and scrim encapsulation processes and translating technical findings into plant-level improvements.
• Mentor and develop scientists, engineers, and technicians while strengthening the organization’s technical capabilities.
• Communicate technical findings through presentations, technical publications, white papers, industry conferences, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Represent the organization with industry associations, technical committees, standards organizations, customers, suppliers, and research partners.
• Contribute to the development and interpretation of industry standards and specifications affecting commercial roofing membrane technology.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D experience involving TPO, polyolefin formulation chemistry, membrane technology, polymer materials, or related process engineering.
• Extensive hands-on experience with TPO commercial roofing membranes, including polyolefin blend morphology, UV stabilization, heat-weld seam performance, extrusion, calendering, and membrane manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of polymer characterization and analytical techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, and rheometry.
• Familiarity with relevant commercial roofing and materials standards, including ASTM D6878, FM 4470, UL 2218, and UL 790.
• Demonstrated experience taking technologies from laboratory development through pilot production, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to connect fundamental polymer science to real-world manufacturing challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to audiences ranging from laboratory personnel to senior leadership.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects, influence cross-functional teams, and mentor developing technical professionals.
• High-impact technical leadership role within an established manufacturing and R&D organization.
• Opportunity to influence the future direction of commercial roofing membrane technology.
• Significant exposure to product development, manufacturing, intellectual property, and external technical organizations.
• Work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, manufacturing professionals, and product leaders.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package with opportunities for long-term career development.