Job details

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:  

Ideal position for a Senior Level Individual Contributor interested in joining a team of professionals that are committed to achieving a sustainability goal to use a billion lbs. of recycled raw materials while delivering on an ambitious 2X growth plan.  The Senior Research Scientist, reporting to Director, R&D, is expected to be a recognized key and critical contributor providing technical direction for major projects in developing PVC decking with high levels (>60%) recycled PVC resin in the formulations. The individual is a leader in the formulation and process technology needed to achieve our goals of increasing recycle content while delivering market leading products to our targeted markets. This individual will develop an in-depth understanding or product technology and end use performance, and use this insight to deliver technical, cost reduction, and product projects for business impact and growth.    

NOTE: This position can be in either our Scranton, Pennsylvania or Wilmington, OH (Greater Cincinnati Area) sites.  Relocation assistance will be provided if needed.

• Expand our understanding and use of PVC products and formulations that utilize greater than 60% recycle PVC resin and work closely with Return Polymers, part of the AZEK Company, to characterize and specify recycled PVC blends.
• Works on problems of diverse scope, including product/process development, product/process/improvement, field issue resolution, manufacturing efficiencies, and outsourcing support.
• Provides technical direction for 1 to 2 major projects, having significant impact on sales or process efficiency. Simultaneously leads several other small projects.
• Expected to have innovative design advances for product and process development.
• Required to present technical direction for major projects and programs that impact a key product area and technology advancement.
• Required to network, internally and externally, to acquire information for projects and identify future opportunities.
• Has knowledge of the industry segment for a single product, including key drivers. Understands competitive technologies.
• Develops FFUs and translates into product specifications. Is practiced in the company's scale-up process from experimentation to commercialization
• Develops project schedules, incorporating key tactical items for other functional areas.
• 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 in a timely manner.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: PhD with 0 to 5 years relevant experience, Minimum of 5 years relevant experience with an MS, OR 10 years of relevant experience with a BS. Degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering strongly preferred. Lean Six Sigma experience desirable.

Other desired skills:

• Significant direct experience with formulation and extrusion of polymer systems for exterior use, preferably for building products.
• Demonstrated experience with formulation of systems encompassing process aides, 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 is preferred.
• Publication record showing 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.
• Understand manufacturing processes and technologies

Skills

Engineering Cost Savings, Analytical Skills, Lean Six Sigma, Quality Management Systems, New Product Development Management systems including Stage-Gate, Agile, DFSS, 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.  

Behaviours

Motivation

Education

Experience

Licences & certifications