Thermoplastic Material Development R&D Lead Supervisor

Andersen Corporation; Bayport (MN); On-site; USD 101,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Profit sharing

Medical, Dental and Vision

Job summary

Andersen Corporation is seeking an experienced materials engineering leader to drive innovation in thermoplastic neat materials across our product portfolio. You will guide high‑impact R&D, improve quality, reduce cost, and shepherd concepts from idea to commercialization.

You will coach a team of materials engineers, foster scientific thinking, and partner with cross‑functional teams to deliver projects with clear business value. Travel up to 20% is required.

Qualifications

• BS in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, or related field with 8–10+ years of experience.
• Proven leadership of cross‑functional innovation or material development projects.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Thermoplastics and Extrusion Development group focused on neat thermoplastic materials.
• Coach and develop the thermoplastic materials team; set technical direction.
• Drive OKR milestones and report progress to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Communication

Design of Experiments (DOE)

Education

BS in Materials Science or related engineering

Tools

Statistical analysis

Job description

Andersen Corporation Summary

At Andersen, we see possibility everywhere, every day and in everything we do. The possibility for our employees to achieve their full potential, for our communities to be stronger and for everyone to have a healthier, happier place to live.

At Andersen, we see possibility everywhere, every day and in everything we do. The possibility for our employees to achieve their full potential, for our communities to be stronger and for everyone to have a healthier, happier place to live.

Our portfolio of brands — Andersen Windows & Doors, Renewal by Andersen and Fenetres MQ — is crafted to serve customers across the new residential, home improvement and light commercial building sector.

Join our more than 13,000 employees who are inspired every day to deliver exceptional experiences that turn possibility into reality.

Job Description

Want to be a part of the team that is taking thermoplastics to the next level?

Andersen is seeking an experienced materials engineering leader to drive innovation in thermoplastic neat (non‑reinforced) material technologies that power our diverse product portfolio. Whether individually owned or team‑based, you will lead high‑impact R&D efforts to enhance material performance, improve quality, reduce cost and waste, and enable new thermoplastic technologies from concept through commercialization. You will provide technical and strategic leadership while coaching and mentoring a team of materials engineers, fostering strong scientific thinking, technical growth, and project ownership. In this role, you will champion a rigorous scientific approach to problem solving and partner closely with cross‑functional teams to prioritize and deliver projects with clear business value. Serving as the technical voice for thermoplastic neat materials across the organization, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape materials strategy, influence key business outcomes, and lead innovation at scale.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as an engineering lead in the Thermoplastics and Extrusion Development (TED) group with a focus on thermoplastic neat (non-reinforced) materials
• Provide leadership, coaching & development, and strategic technical direction to thermoplastic materials team
• Drive accountability in thermoplastic team to meet Objective Key Result (OKR) project milestones and provide progress updates to leadership
• Establish and sustain robust and collaborative relationships with key partners and suppliers
• Identify, scope, and prioritize new process and innovation opportunities in collaboration with business partners
• Maintain priority alignment in collaboration with business partners
• Develop clear proposals and gain leadership alignment on innovation initiatives
• Lead and manage projects through stage‑gate project management processes
• Use a science‑based approach and tools to solve complex technical problems with practical solutions (i.e., Design of Experiments, process mapping, capability analysis, FMEA, MSA)
• Work independently and collaboratively on most aspects of work, only requiring general direction with occasional work review
• Create and execute test plans, along with writing and reviewing test reports and update specifications to capture Andersen knowledge
• Stay abreast of industry technology developments relevant to thermoplastic neat materials and explore their use in Andersen products
• Communicate effectively at all levels—technical teams, leadership, suppliers, and cross‑functional partners—through clear, concise written and verbal communication
• Travel up to 20% to support development activities, trials, supplier engagements, and cross‑functional collaboration

Qualifications And Skills

MUST HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, or related engineering field with 8–10+ years of experience in product, process, or technology development
• Demonstrated leadership of cross‑functional innovation or material development projects
• Experience in performance management, coaching, and mentoring technical contributors
• Proven track record in technical strategy development and deployment
• Ability to lead teams and drive results through ambiguity, shifting priorities, and early‑stage innovation activities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and influence decision‑making
• Strong scientific, data‑driven approach to problem solving
• Passion for building and sustaining effective relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers
• Demonstrated accountability and technical curiosity, with a hands‑on approach and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Nice‑to‑have Qualifications

• Experience in thermoplastic processes such as blending, compounding, extrusion, and injection molding
• Prior supervisory experience preferred
• Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to be hands on
• Experience in FEA simulation boundary condition development, interpretation of results, and validation of simulations with testing
• Proficiency in statistical analysis (such as design of experiments) along with statistical software

Pay Range

$101,176.00 - $156,824.00

Culture And Benefits

At Andersen, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. Every day, their talent, dedication and passion enables us to be the most trusted window & door company. To support our employees, we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards Package – a thoughtful combination of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to investing in each team member’s wellbeing and success. While specific benefits may vary by position or location, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and future. Our benefits include:

• 401 (k) Plan, Employer Fixed Contributions & Company Matching
• Profit Sharing*
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Paid Maternity Leave & Paid Parental Leave*
• Career Growth Planning & Nationwide Career Opportunities
• For employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement, some benefits may differ or may not be available based on the terms of the agreement.

PROFIT SHARING:

In 2026 Andersen has set a profit‑sharing target of $3,600 per eligible employee, prorated as appropriate. Profit Sharing will be paid out in quarterly installments to provide eligible employees with payments throughout the year, with payment amounts tied to quarterly operating profit performance.

EEOC EMPLOYER:

Andersen is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Andersen Corporation will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable federal, state and local laws.

We look forward to seeing how your unique skills, background and experiences will inspire our team and help us continue to be the leader we are today.