Research Engineer - Transportation

YOH Services LLC; Cuyahoga Falls (OH); On-site; USD 98,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

HSA

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

EAP

401K

Direct deposit

Referral bonuses

Training opportunities

Job summary

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is seeking a Research Engineer in Transportation to lead development of thermoplastic compounds and masterbatches from concept through scale-up and commercialization. You will partner with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready solutions onsite in Ohio or PA.

The role emphasizes polymer processing, DOE analytics, and strong project leadership to meet automotive/aerospace market needs.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and commercializing thermoplastic compounds/masterbatches for transportation markets.
• R&D from concept through scale-up and commercialization; manufacturing support.
• Hands-on polymer processing, compounding, and formulation development.
• Understanding of thermoplastics manufacturing processes and automation.
• DOE, statistics, and data-driven product development.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead development programs for thermoplastics from concept to commercialization.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to solve performance challenges.
• Drive timelines, deliverables, and quality expectations.

Skills

Thermoplastic polymer compounds Master

R&D from concept through commercial

Polymer processing & formulation

Thermoplastics manufacturing processes

DOE & statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership & timelines

Engineering thermoplastics

Polyolefins

Twin-screw extrusion

Transportation material qualification

OEM specs (auto/aero)

Weatherable materials & flame retard

Stage-gate processes

Sustainability targets

Education

M.S. in Polymer Science / Materials Science / Chemistry (preferred)

Bachelor's degree with hands-on industry experience

Ph.D. or advanced degree valued

Tools

None specified

Job description

Research Engineer - Transportation (Thermoplastics & Product Commercialization)

Join a collaborative, highly technical team focused on bringing next-generation polymer-based materials to market across North American transportation segments. In this role, you'll lead development programs that take thermoplastic compounds and masterbatches from concept through scale-up and commercialization - partnering closely with customers and cross-functional teams to solve real performance challenges and deliver differentiated, production-ready solutions. This is a fully onsite position, open to working from Cuyahoga Falls, OH (preferred) or Morrisville, PA, with the opportunity to make a direct impact on strategic growth priorities in transportation markets.

Required Skills

• Proven experience developing and commercializing thermoplastic polymer-based compounds and/or masterbatches (aerospace high-performance polymer development experience is also relevant)
• Ability to support R&D from concept development through commercialization, including scale-up and manufacturing support
• Strong hands-on knowledge of polymer processing, compounding, and formulation development
• Understanding of thermoplastics manufacturing processes and automation
• Working knowledge of DOE (Design of Experiments), statistical analysis, and data-driven product development
• Strong communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills (internal teams and customers)
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and drive timelines, deliverables, and quality expectations

Nice to Have Skills

• Experience with engineering thermoplastics, polyolefins, and twin-screw extrusion
• Background in transportation material qualification
• Familiarity with automotive and/or aerospace OEM specifications
• Experience with weatherable materials, flame-retardant systems, and/or color-critical applications
• Exposure to stage-gate or structured innovation/product development systems
• Interest or experience integrating sustainability targets (e.g., recyclability, bio-based content, durability)

Preferred Education and Experience

• M.S. preferred in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field (Ph.D. or advanced degree also valued)
• Bachelor's degree considered with strong, hands-on industry experience
• 5+ years of experience developing and commercializing thermoplastic polymer compounds/masterbatches for transportation markets (e.g., automotive, aerospace, defense, recreational, utility vehicles)

Estimated Minimum Rate

$98000.00

Estimated Maximum Rate

$140000.00

What's In It For You?

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities

Note: Any pay ranges displayed are estimations. Actual pay is determined by an applicant's experience, technical expertise, and other qualifications as listed in the job description.

Yoh, a Day & Zimmermann company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Visit https://www.yoh.com/applicants-with-disabilities to contact us if you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation in the application process.

For California applicants, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All of the material job duties described in this posting are job duties for which a criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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