Testing and Prototyping Engineer

Owens Corning; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 66,000 - 79,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance (medical/dental/vision/life)

401k with company match

Paid time off + holidays

Employee Assistance Services

Stock Purchase Program

Job summary

Owens Corning is hiring a Testing and Prototyping Engineer for on‑site work in West Chicago, IL. The role focuses on material, component, and door system testing with hands‑on prototyping activities, collaborating with test technicians, engineers, and R&D scientists.

The ideal candidate has 0–2 years of relevant experience with a strong lab mindset, data analysis skills, and a willingness to learn across processes and testing methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline and hands‑on laboratory or shop experience.
• Experience with mechanical, materials, or product testing is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Willingness to learn across materials, processes and testing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Support base material, component, and door/door system testing in collaboration with technicians.
• Assist test setup, instrumentation, data collection, and environmental, durability, and performance evaluations.
• Analyze data and prepare clear reports and presentations for engineers and scientists.
• Document test methods and results per internal standards and quality expectations.
• Participate in prototype design and fabrication, including development of manufacturability considerations and prototype methods.
• Support early‑stage R&D exploration and new product development programs.
• Familiarize with industry standards, regulations, and internal test methods for doors and door systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvements of test methods, fixtures, and prototyping processes.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Hands-on lab work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Data analysis software

3D CAD software

Job description

Testing and Prototyping Engineer

Location: West Chicago, IL, US 60185

Function: Research and Development

Audience: Experienced Professional

Work Arrangement: On Site

Role Summary

The Testing and Prototyping Engineer is an early-career, individual contributor role within the Applied Innovation & Technical Services team, supporting material, component, and full door/door system testing as well as hands‑on prototyping activities. Working closely with test technicians, product engineers, and R&D scientists, this position helps execute test plans, analyze and document results, and communicate findings that inform both front‑end innovation and new product development programs.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of base material, component, and full door/door system testing in collaboration with test technicians.
• Assist with test setup, sample preparation, instrumentation, and data collection across mechanical, environmental, durability, and performance evaluations.
• Perform data analysis and interpretation of test results; prepare clear, well‑structured reports and presentations for product engineers and R&D scientists.
• Document test methods, observations, deviations, and outcomes in accordance with internal standards and quality expectations.
• Participate in prototype design and fabrication, including:
  • Assisting with concept development and design‑for‑manufacturability considerations
  • Supporting development of prototype manufacturing methods
  • Building and modifying prototypes alongside technicians in lab and shop environments
• Support front end innovation efforts (early‑stage R&D exploration) as well as new product development (NPD) programs.
• Gain working familiarity with industry standards, regulations, and internal test methods relevant to doors and door systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and prototyping processes.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety, organization, and laboratory best practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to work hands on in a laboratory, test, or prototype shop environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and work across a wide range of materials, processes, and testing methodologies.

Experience Requirements

• 0-2 years of relevant experience (internships, co‑ops, or academic lab/project experience acceptable).
• Exposure to materials testing, mechanical testing, product testing, or laboratory work preferred.
• Experience with data analysis, technical reporting, or laboratory documentation preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with fabrication, prototyping, or manufacturing processes (academic or professional) is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles related to materials, mechanics, and product performance.
• Ability to analyze test data, identify trends, and communicate results clearly and objectively.
• Comfort working with test equipment, measurement tools, and basic instrumentation (or strong aptitude to learn).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams with engineers, scientists, and technicians.
• Practical, hands‑on mindset with interest in how products are built and how they fail.
• Proficiency with common engineering software tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, basic data analysis software, 3D CAD software).
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn within a product‑focused R&D environment.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and position materials and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. on a recurring basis in laboratory and pilotline environments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This is a full‑time position requiring weekday (Monday - Friday) work onsite at our Innovation Center in West Chicago, IL. This position may require up to 10% domestic travel.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $66,000 to $79,200, with the potential for up to an additional xx% if the applicant hired has additional related qualifications. We also offer a substantial benefits package including insurance (medical/dental/vision/life/disability/supplemental offerings), 401k (company contribution regardless of employee participation – plus match), paid time off that considers full professional tenure (vacation, personal floating and standard holidays), Employee Assistance Services, Stock Purchase Program – and more.

EEO Statement

Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.