Principal TPO Scientist

Carlisle Construction Materials; Carlisle (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Carlisle Construction Materials is seeking a Principal TPO Scientist to define the next generation of commercial roofing membranes. You will lead the transformation from concept to market, partnering with product marketing to meet unmet customer needs and drive world-class science within a Fortune 500 company.

You’ll chart membrane science, own product creation lifecycle, mentor talent, and represent CCM at industry conferences, influencing standards and accelerating scalable, durable,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Materials Science.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in TPO polymer formulation or membrane science.
• Deep hands-on expertise in TPO roofing membrane systems and extrusion technologies.
• Strong knowledge of ASTM standards (D6878, FM 4470, UL 2218/790).
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Chart the future of TPO membrane science and lead partnerships with universities and suppliers.
• Own product creation from concept to pilot, scale-up, and launch.
• Shape the multi-year technical roadmap defining CCM’s membrane position.
• Advance formulation improvements including UV stabilizers and extrusion processes.
• Mentor scientists and engineers and share expertise through papers and talks.
• Represent CCM at industry conferences and standards bodies.

Skills

Communication skills

FTIR

DSC

TGA

Rheometry

Education

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

Tools

FTIR Instrumentation

DSC Equipment

TGA Equipment

Rheometer

Job description

Every building needs a roof and at Carlisle Construction Materials (CCM), we make one the industry trusts. We are looking for a Principal TPO Scientist to serve as one of our foremost technical visionaries, who will define what the next generation of commercial roofing membrane technology looks like. Working closely with product marketing, you will drive the creative collision between product and technology by unmet customer needs—turning the earliest spark of an idea into fully commercialized products, backed by the resources of a Fortune 500 company and a team that believes the best science wins.

What You’ll Do

• Chart the future of TPO membrane science—evaluate emerging polymer chemistries, lead patent development, and forge partnerships with universities, suppliers, and research institutions that keep CCM at the frontier of innovation.
• Own the full arc of product creation—from a concept on a whiteboard through formulation, pilot trials, scale‑up, and commercial launch. Bringing breakthrough membrane products to market that protect buildings for decades.
• Spearhead next‑generation membrane technology across all membrane categories and platforms, shaping the multi‑year technical roadmap that will define CCM’s competitive position for years to come.
• Push the boundaries of TPO formulation—OctaGuard XT UV stabilizers, polyolefin blend morphology, scrim encapsulation and delivering membranes that are more durable, more sustainable, and more cost‑effective than anything on the market today.
• Bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and manufacturing reality, troubleshoot extrusion, calendering, and scrim encapsulation processes and translate your findings into tangible plant‑floor improvements.
• Elevate the people around you and mentor scientists, engineers, and technicians at every level, build the next generation of technical talent, and share your expertise through presentations, white papers, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Be the voice of CCM on the industry stage and represent us at leading conferences (RCI, NRCA, ARMA) and standards bodies (ASTM, FM, UL), influencing the codes and specifications that shape the future of commercial roofing.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in TPO polyolefin formulation chemistry, membrane science, or process engineering.
• Deep, hands‑on expertise in TPO commercial roofing membrane systems: polyolefin blend morphology, UV stabilizer design, heat‑weld seam science, and extrusion/calendering manufacturing processes.
• Strong command of relevant analytical techniques (FTIR, DSC, TGA, rheometry) and industry test standards (ASTM D6878, FM 4470, UL 2218/790).
• Excellent communication skills and are able to present complex technical concepts to audiences ranging from lab technicians to senior executives.