Research Engineer I - Wet Coatings Team

Saint-Gobain Group; Chapinville (MA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed is seeking a hands-on coatings R&D professional to support pilot and manufacturing scale‑up. You will plan and run pilot coating trials, optimize formulations, and transfer successful lab developments to production in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, independent project management, and strong communication across R&D, manufacturing, quality, and business units. A bachelor's degree in a related field is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, industrial engineering or science discipline.
• Ability to operate pilot wet coating equipment.
• Demonstrated project management skills, team collaboration, and oral, written and visual communication skills.
• Ability to network/communicate within and out of group, as well as across disciplines.
• 1–3 years of industrial experience in coatings, formulations, mixing, process scale-up, and roll-to-roll processing.
• Knowledge of formulation development, process optimization, wet coating, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Experience transitioning new processes and products to manufacturing.
• Knowledge of rheology, mixing, physico-chemistry and analytical characterization.
• Knowledge and ability to carry out Design of Experiment (DOE).

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and troubleshoot pilot-scale coating trials and analyze results to optimize processes.
• Optimize existing coating formulations for quality, processability, and performance.
• Conduct scale-up trials to transfer lab developments to production.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to scale up formulations and run plant trials.
• Use data analysis and statistical tools to support experimental design and decision-making.
• Work independently on several projects while collaborating with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and business functions.
• Communicate technical information through reports, presentations and discussions.
• Demonstrate strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.

Skills

Pilot coating equipment

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Rheology knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, industrial engineering or science

Tools

DOE knowledge

Job description

The candidate will support R&D projects focused on coating process development, pilot-scale coating trials, and manufacturing scale-up activities. The candidate is also expected to prepare and optimize coating formulations, operate mixing and pilot coating equipment, conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments, analyze data, document results and assist with the transfer of technologies from the laboratory to production.

This position will support multiple Saint-Gobain North America (SGR NA) business units and provide hands-on experience in coating technology, process development, scale-up, and manufacturing support within a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Plan, execute, and troubleshoot pilot-scale coating trials, and analyze experimental results to optimize coating processes and ensure successful transfer of laboratory developments to manufacturing.
• Optimize existing coating formulations to improve coating quality, processability, and product performance.
• Conduct scale-up trials to assess the feasibility of transferring formulations from laboratory development to commercial production.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to scale up formulations and conduct plant trials.
• Utilize data analysis and statistical tools to support experimental design, data interpretation, and decision-making.
• Ability to work independently on several projects simultaneously.
• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, quality, and business functions.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively through written reports, presentations, and discussions.
• Demonstrate strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.

Respect and promote a safe work environment and abide by Saint-Gobain safety, health and environment policies and identify opportunities for improving safety in the workplace.

Is this job for you ?

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, industrial engineering or science discipline
• Ability to operate pilot wet coating equipment
• Demonstrated project management skills, team collaboration, and oral, written and visual communication skills
• Ability to network/communicate within and out of group, as well as across disciplines

The following are preferred:

• 1-3 years of Industrial experience in coatings, formulations, mixing, process scale-up, and roll to roll processing
• Knowledge of formulation development, process optimization, wet coating, and manufacturing scale-up
• Experience transitioning new processes and products to manufacturing
• Knowledge of rheology, mixing, physico-chemistry and analytical characterization

Knowledge and ability to carry out Design of Experiment (DOE)

A little more about us

At Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed, our employees have pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, & Collaboration. Our company encourages diversity and inclusion in all its forms while our products make the world a more beautiful, safer, and sustainable home.

Being a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction, and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “Making the World a Better Home.”

Legal Statement

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at [emailprotected] .

Benefits in joining us

Certain locations require pay information be provided in job postings. Saint-Gobain aims to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support our employees’ wellbeing and help improve daily life for themselves and their families. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer potential candidates. Provided is the national pay range for this position which is $72,500 to 111,500 per year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus. The targeted bonus amount is 9% of base salary based on company and individual performance measures. The Total Target Cash range (base pay and annual bonus) for this position, is $79,025 to $121,535. Bonus payments are part of variable compensation and by nature can vary based on company and individual performance and is not a guarantee.Saint-Gobain is committed to helping you and your family be well in all aspects of your life.
Be Well, Be You brings together inclusive programs and meaningful resources to support all aspects of your physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being. Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs.
Health and Wellbeing - Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work.
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Healthcare Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- LiveWell Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
Retirement and Protection - Helping to make the future life you want a reality.
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP) Cash Balance Pension Plan
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
Additional Benefits - Helping shape the experience and impact you want:
- Group Legal
- Identity Theft Protection
- Auto and Home Insurance
- Pet Insurance and Discounts
- Back-up Child and Elder Care
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
- Volunteer Day

Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia, HERZOGENRATH