Sr Research Engineer - Polymer Materials

James Hardie; Wilmington (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus eligible

Health insurance (day-one)

Vacation and company holidays

401(k) with 6% match

Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)

Parental leave and wellness programs

Sustainability initiatives

Job summary

James Hardie in Wilmington, OH or Fontana, CA seeks a Senior Research Engineer/Scientist to advance PVC material technologies for high-performance building products. You will bridge lab research with manufacturing, developing formulations and characterizing materials to meet durability and process goals.

The role emphasizes polymer science, PVC processing, and structure–property–processing relationships, with opportunities to lead projects and collaborate with production teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with 0–7 years of experience, or MS with 3–10 years.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer engineering.
• Deep understanding of PVC materials including stabilization chemistry, fusion behavior, degradation mechanisms, and extrusion processing.
• Experience in AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development for composite materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Travel –35% (mainly domestic)

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and evaluate PVC formulations, including base resins, stabilizers, lubricants, impact modifiers, process aids, fillers, and pigments.
• Apply fundamental polymer science and engineering principles to guide formulation design.
• Demonstrate understanding of PVC-specific behavior: fusion/gelation, thermal stability, rheology, morphology.
• Establish structure–property–processing relationships for durability and manufacturability.
• Conduct laboratory-scale compounding, extrusion, and molding for new products and sustainability initiatives.
• Drive AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development.
• Support PVC extrusion and compounding processes, troubleshooting quality and throughput.
• Plan and execute technical projects with defined scope and milestones; communicate results.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Polymer engineering

PVC materials

AI assisted characterization

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Polymer Science/Engineering or Materials Science

MS in related field with 3–10 years experience

Tools

DSC

TGA

DMA

Rheometry

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. Summary

The Senior Research Engineer / Scientist – Polymer Materials 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.

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

What You’ll Do:

Key Responsibilities

Polymer Formulation & Materials Development

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 AI assisted material 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‑principles understanding of polymer behavior and PVC material response. Maintain high standards for 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 0–7 years of experience, or MS with 3–10 years of experience.

Strong fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer engineering. Deep understanding of PVC materials including stabilization chemistry, fusion behavior, degradation mechanisms, and extrusion processing.

Experience in AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development for composite materials.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Travel –35% (mainly domestic)

Preferred Qualifications

Hands‑on experience with PVC compounding, extrusion, or formulation development. Experience supporting high‑volume manufacturing or pilot‑scale operations. 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
• Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• 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
• More: Click here to learn more about our benefits