Senior Research Scientist/Engineer

AZEK Exteriors; Wilmington (OH); On-site; USD 105,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the building materials industry seeks a Senior Research Scientist/Engineer to drive innovation in Wood Plastic Composite formulations. This role involves extensive collaboration across departments to optimize existing products and develop new materials that promote sustainability. Candidates with a strong background in polymer systems, demonstrated analytical skills, and cross-functional leadership abilities are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchase program

Short and long-term disability insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience for BS or 3 years for MS.
• Experience with building products and outdoor use systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects in WPC formulation and improve product performance.
• Collaborate with departments to develop new materials for building products.
• Supervise technicians and ensure compliance with specifications.

Skills

Formulation and extrusion of polymer systems

Analysis skills

Problem solving

Lean Six Sigma

Quality Management Systems

Education

BS in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering

MS in relevant fields

Job description

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Job Summary

The Sr. Research Scientist / Engineer, reporting to the Director of R&D, is expected to become a recognized expert and a key and critical contributor providing strategic technical direction for major projects in Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) formulation, recycling, and exterior products. The individual will be the company expert for a key product/process, making major product line extensions or major process changes and improvements. This individual will develop significant new products to provide for long-term business impact and growth. Identifies and takes the initiative to lead continuous improvement efforts.

Job Summary

The Sr. Research Scientist / Engineer, reporting to the Director of R&D, is expected to become a recognized expert and a key and critical contributor providing strategic technical direction for major projects in Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) formulation, recycling, and exterior products. The individual will be the company expert for a key product/process, making major product line extensions or major process changes and improvements. This individual will develop significant new products to provide for long-term business impact and growth. Identifies and takes the initiative to lead continuous improvement efforts.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize new to the Company and new to the industry materials and processes, for WPC formulations to support a wide range of building products, including decking and profile products.
• Design and manage experiments for purposes such as generating new product prototypes, improving product performance, reducing scrap and formulation cost, and general problem solving, etc.
• Collaborate with multiple internal departments and external suppliers to set raw material specifications and prescribe inspection methods to ensure conformance.
• Required to present recommendations of technical direction for major projects and programs that impact a key product area and technology advancement.
• Expected to work cross functionally with Operations and other departments to set objectives and deliver solutions as needed.
• Supervise R&D Technicians directly and indirectly lead multi-functional teams.
• Maintain broad-based knowledge of the industry/market for a key product lines or components and is regarded as an expert on trends and technology in that area.
• Required to present program and project proposals with justification to R&D and other senior management.
• Integrate Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement in all projects.
• Work with external suppliers and partners to drive projects to the correct conclusion promptly.
  
  

Education Qualifications

BS with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. MS with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience. Degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science Engineering, or Chemical Engineering are preferred.

Skills

• Significant direct experience with formulation and extrusion of polymer systems for outdoor use, preferably for building products.
• Demonstrated experience with the formulation of systems encompassing recycled plastics, weathering packages, and colorant systems.
• Working knowledge of outdoor and accelerated weathering test methods, product requirements, and equipment.
• Familiarity with US and International Building Code requirements, particularly for exterior Residential Building products.
• Competence with public speaking, contributions to technical literature, and Intellectual Property protection via Patents and Patent Applications.
• Strong background in manufacturing systems, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with internal (Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality) and external (contractors, vendors) customers.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes and technologies.
  
  

Other Desired Skills

Engineering Cost Savings, Analytical Skills, Lean Six Sigma, Quality Management Systems, New Product Development Management systems including Stage-Gate, Manufacturing Systems, Production Processes, Extrusion, Problem Solving, Manufacturing Operations. Candidates should be data-driven decision-makers.

Candidate soft skills: good multitasking, experienced working well with vendors and contractors. Analytical. Good follow-up. Strong safety mindset. Works well with all levels of operational staff.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several geographic markets. The annual salary for this position ranges from $105,500 in our lowest market up to $128,500 in our highest market, plus bonus, equity, and benefits as applicable. The pay for roles at AZEK varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific work location, role, skill set, and level of experience.

AZEK provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) plan, an employee stock purchase program, and a variety of additional voluntary benefit options. For more details, please visit Benefits @ AZEK or Benefits @ AZEK (Spanish Version).

Are you concerned that you don’t meet every requirement listed above? Don't let that stop you from applying! Studies reveal that some applicants refrain from applying for jobs unless they fulfill every single requirement. We don't believe in the notion of a "perfect" candidate. If you are confident in your ability to excel in the role, adapt swiftly, and are committed to contributing to our mission of building a more sustainable future, we warmly welcome your application.

Join us in shaping the future of our business!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Wholesale Building Materials

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