Research Scientist

Pittsburgh Glass Works; Cheswick (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading glass manufacturer is seeking a scientist to conduct exploratory research in Cheswick, PA. The ideal candidate will have an M.S. or Ph.D. in chemistry with extensive experience in electrochemical processes and product development. Responsibilities include hands-on research, project planning, and collaboration across teams. This role offers opportunities for innovation and technical leadership, with a focus on sustainability in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• M.S. degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced expertise in chemistry with emphasis in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or chemical engineering.
• Experience in electrochemistry and liquid-crystal-based materials.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret experimental and analytical work.
• Develop innovative technical solutions and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and prepare high-quality documentation.

Job description

Vitro Architectural Glass manufactures a broad range of industry‑leading, energy‑efficient products such as Solarban, Sungate and Starphire Ultra‑Clear glasses. Throughout our storied history, collaboration and innovation have been central to our advancements. Today, the key to our success continues to lie in the strength of our partnerships. With a foundation formed on trust, teamwork and shared excitement, the possibilities for impactful innovations in glass are truly endless.

With manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and Mexico, Vitro Architectural Glass is committed to sustainable manufacturing processes and products. Vitro also operates one of the world's largest glass research and development facilities in Pittsburgh, PA and has four residential glass fabrication plants in Canada.

Website: www.vitroglazings.com

As a recognized technical expert within their discipline, the successful candidate will work both independently and collaboratively to conceive, plan, and execute exploratory research focused on translating novel concepts into commercially viable products and devices. The role emphasizes hands‑on scientific leadership across materials, processes, and device performance.

The scientist will apply deep expertise in electrochemical processes and electrooptical systems, using complementary characterization and analytical techniques to develop a rigorous understanding of material behavior and device function. Responsibilities include conducting high‑quality scientific research; preparing clear, evaluative reports; and making data‑driven recommendations to advance, redirect, or discontinue research efforts as appropriate.

This role contributes to the planning and recommendation of major research and engineering programs aligned with long‑term business and technology objectives. The position may also serve as a technical advisor in cross‑functional, high‑level research, product development, and strategic planning activities. Experience with intellectual property review and evaluation is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technical Excellence & Innovation
  • Apply advanced scientific and engineering principles to design, execute, and interpret experimental and analytical work.
  • Independently develop innovative technical solutions and contribute original ideas that advance products, processes, or enabling technologies.
  • Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to integrate solutions into system‑level designs and applications.
  • Maintain strong technical rigor through sound experimental design, data analysis, and problem‑solving methodologies.
  • Support the scale‑up and transfer of laboratory‑developed processes to pilot and manufacturing environments.
• Scientific Communication & Collaboration
  • Communicate complex technical concepts and results clearly and concisely to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Prepare high‑quality technical documentation, including experimental reports, data summaries, and interpretive analyses.
  • Foster an environment of open, collaborative communication across research, engineering, and adjacent functions.
  • Provide technical input and recommendations to support project and business decision‑making.
• Project Planning & Execution
  • Lead and significantly contribute to planning, organizing, and executing research and development projects aligned with program objectives.
  • Work with project leaders and management to assess technical progress, risks, and priorities, recommending adjustments as needed.
  • Manage assigned project timelines and resources to ensure alignment with technical goals and business needs.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship
  • Provide technical leadership within projects, serving as a subject‑matter expert in assigned domains.
  • Mentor and coach junior scientists or engineers through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and informal training.
  • Contribute to the identification and initiation of new research directions, products, processes or technical capabilities.
  • Engage with external collaborators, suppliers or technical organizations as needed to support project objectives.
  • Contribute technical input to safety assessments and best practices for experimental work.
• Presentations & Knowledge Sharing
  • Deliver effective technical presentations to internal audiences, including project teams, management, and cross‑functional stakeholders.
  • Participate in technical reviews, design discussions, and knowledge‑sharing forums to disseminate results and lessons learned.
• Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibility
  • Demonstrate a strong, proactive commitment to laboratory and workplace safety.
  • Follow and help reinforce established safety, health, and environmental practices, particularly related to new materials, chemistries, or processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced expertise in chemistry with emphasis in one or more of the following areas: organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical synthesis, or chemical engineering.
• Demonstrated experience applying this expertise to electrochemistry, electro‑optical systems and/or liquid‑crystal‑based materials or devices.
• Proven ability to initiate, design, and execute technically significant experimental and/or theoretical work.
• Track record of contributing original research that advances long‑term research, product development or engineering programs.

Most work is performed in a laboratory or office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must wear appropriate personal safety protection equipment (PPE). This equipment will vary based upon the work location and type of work being performed but often will include safety glasses and sometimes may include protective clothing.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand, on average, up to about 25% travel will be required on an annual basis. The effective candidate is expected to perform chemistry work in a lab and prototype scale‑up environment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.