Sr. R&D Engineer

Vitro Flat Glass/Architectural; Cheswick (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Vitro Architectural Glass is seeking a Research Scientist at our Glass Technology Center in Cheswick, PA to lead technology development in process modeling, design, and control for advanced glass manufacturing. You will contribute to data-driven control and instrumentation across melting, forming, and coating processes.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a STEM field with 2+ years of experience, strong programming skills, and a deep knowledge of process control and optimization.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering with 2 years of industry/research experience.
• Deep understanding of process control methods (feedback, feedforward, model predictive control, inferential).
• Strong background in optimization (LP, QP, NLP).
• Experience with CFD and heat transfer modeling.
• Proficient in programming (C++, Python, MATLAB).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; grant writing ability.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team.
• Knowledge of glass production processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop technologies from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct technology scouting, originate ideas for productive research, and initiate new projects with internal/external resources.
• Prepare concept papers, proposals, and project documents and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Assist in project planning and management to ensure timely execution and deliverables.
• Propose and evaluate process improvements through modeling, optimization, and data analysis.
• Coordinate closely with different groups across R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing.
• Define project safety specifications and develop strategic direction for safety, health and environmental role in R&D.
• Up to 30% travel time may be required for project launch and execution.

Skills

Process control

Optimization methods

CFD simulations

Heat transfer analysis

Programming: C++/Python/MATLAB

Communication skills

Autonomy

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical/Mechanical Eng + 2 yrs exp

Tools

CFD software

Open-source codes

Job description

Vitro Architectural Glass manufactures a broad range of industry-leading, energy-efficient products such asSolarban,SungateandStarphire Ultra-Clearglasses. 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

The Process Engineering and Process Control group in Vitro Architectural Glass R&D is currently looking for a Research Scientist with a "can-do" attitude to lead technology development in process modeling, design, and control for next generation glass manufacturing.The candidate will contribute to and gain experience from the development of data-driven process control and instrumentation technologies spanning glass melting, forming, coating, and other process operations.

This position is located at our Glass Technology Center in Cheswick, PA which is a ~25-min drive away from downtown Pittsburgh.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for further developing known and new technologies from conceptualization to commercialization
• Conduct technology scouting, originate ideas for productive research, and initiate new projects with internal/external resources
• Develop concept papers, proposals, and project documents as well as present research findings in meetings to the audience from diverse backgrounds
• Assist in project planning and management to ensure timely execution and deliverables
• Propose and evaluate process improvements through modeling, optimization, and data analysis
• Coordinate closely with different groups across R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing
• Define project safety specifications and develop strategic direction for safety, health and environmental role in research and development
• Up to 30% time of travel may be required for project launch and execution

Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other relevant STEM fields plus 2 years of experience in industry or research environment
2. Deep understanding of process control methodologies such as feedback, feedforward, model predictive control, inferential control, etc.
3. Excellent understanding of optimization methods such as LP, QP and NLP
4. Hands-on experience in using commercial software and/or open-source codes to perform CFD simulations, heat transfer analysis, and process modeling, etc.
5. Fundamental knowledge of combustion process, melting process, and electrochemistry
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to write white papers and full grant proposals
7. Computer programming capabilities in at least one language or environment such as C++, Python, MATLAB, etc.
8. Strong initiative and ability to identify opportunities for new processes, technologies, and continuous improvement
9. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as an integral part of a team with minimal oversight

Preferred:

• Knowledge of glass production processes and equipment
• Knowledge of technology and strategies to reduce energy usage and emissions in industrial processes
• Experience with DCS and PLC control systems
• Prior mentoring experience