Senior Polymer Scientist / Engineer

James Hardie Corporation; Fontana (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus plan

Vacation and holidays

401(k) with match

Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)

Parental leave and wellness programs

Sustainability initiatives

Job summary

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is seeking a Senior Polymer Scientist/Engineer to own PVC material technology from formulation to manufacturing implementation.

You will develop PVC formulations, stabilize systems, and drive integration of AI‑assisted characterization to improve durability and processability, with domestic travel up to 25%. The role requires deep polymer science expertise, PhD or MS with relevant experience, and strong communication to collaborate with manufacturing and

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with relevant years of experience as stated.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry and engineering.
• Experience with AI-assisted material characterization and formulation development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and evaluate PVC formulations and processing for high‑performance building products.
• Support extrusion, compounding, and processing with troubleshooting and scale‑up to production.
• Design experiments and collect data to understand structure–property–processing relationships.

Skills

Polymer chemistry knowledge

AI-assisted material characterization

Strong written and verbal skills

Travel 25% domestic

Education

PhD in Polymer Science/Engineering/Materials/Chemical Engineering

MS in a related field with 3–7 years experience

Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®. With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities. For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com .

This position can be based at our Wilmington, OH or Fontana, CA plant

Own the future of PVC materials technology from formulation design through manufacturing implementation

The Senior Polymer Scientist / Engineer will support the development, optimization, and deployment of PVC material technologies for high‑performance, durable building products. This role requires deep fundamentals in polymer science and polymer engineering, with emphasis on PVC chemistry, physics, processing, and structure–property–process relationships, bridging laboratory research and manufacturing implementation.

What You’ll Do:

Key Responsibilities

Develop,optimize, and evaluate PVC formulations, including base resins, stabilizer systems, lubricants, impact modifiers, process aids, fillers, and pigments. Apply fundamental polymer science and engineering principles (polymer thermodynamics, viscoelasticity, molecular weight effects, phase behavior, and degradation mechanisms) to guide formulation design. Demonstrate strong understanding of PVC‑specific behavior, including fusion/gelation, thermal stability, shear sensitivity, rheology, and morphology development. Establish and interpret structure–property–processing relationships to balance durability, mechanical performance, surface quality, and manufacturability. Conduct laboratory‑scale compounding, extrusion, and molding to support new product, cost, and sustainability initiatives.Drive AIassistedmaterial characterizations and formulation development.

Process & Manufacturing Support

Support PVC extrusion and compounding processes, including formulation‑driven troubleshooting of surface defects, instability, degradation, dimensional control, and throughput limitations. Apply polymer processing fundamentals (heat transfer, shear and elongational flow, residence time, die swell, cooling, and orientation effects) to diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues. Partner with manufacturing, quality, and process engineering teams to scale laboratory formulations to robust, high‑yield production. Support pilot‑scale and plant trials.

Testing & Characterization

Design and execute experimental plans using thermal, mechanical, rheological, and environmental characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, DMA,rheometry, weathering, impact, tensile, flexural). Interpret data using first‑principlesunderstandingofpolymer behavior and PVC material response. Maintainhigh standardsfor documentation and technical rigor.

Project Management & Technical Communication

Plan and execute technical projects with defined scope and milestones. Communicate complex polymer concepts clearly through written reports and presentations. Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

What You’ll Bring:

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with 2–5 years of experience, or MS with 3–7 years of experience.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer engineering.
• Experience in AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development for composite materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Travel –25% (mainly domestic)

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with PVC compounding, extrusion, or formulation development preferred. Understanding of PVC materials including stabilization chemistry, fusion behavior, degradation mechanisms, and extrusion processing also preferred.
• Familiarity with building materials and durability requirements.

What You’ll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $120,000 - $135,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
• Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community:Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.