Principal Scientist/Group Leader Glass Mat

Position Description

Job Summary

This position is accountable for driving technical development projects, implementing process improvements and cost reductions, creating process models and predictive testing, and fostering sustainability through all glass mat manufacturing and shingle roofing plants and products. This position will lead the development and implementation of new processes, techniques & tools, which will be confirmed through the application of engineering fundamentals and process control statistical tools.  Phases of development include modeling, predictive testing, pilot, scale-up, and implementation of R&D processes and new products into manufacturing. The candidate will take project objectives and transform them into actionable tasks including research of technologies, design and execution of experimentation, analysis of results, and generation of IP and technical reports. The ability to communicate across all levels of the organization will be essential for this role to influence others and drive projects to completion. The ability to lead others and effectively manage their work is essential to success in this role.

This position will have a focus on leading a team in the research and development of process and product design and new product development, thereby building technical depth in glass mat and shingle roofing technology. Under the direction of the R&D Manager, the candidate will also design, run experiments, produce lab scale samples, operate pilot equipment, and analyze the experimental outcomes. The candidate, in addition to leading the team, will be expected to conduct trials for their primary projects, and will be expected to support projects led by others as subject matter expert on glass mat scaling up and process optimization. S/He will organize R&D technical exchanges, identify, and share best practices between glass mat and shingle plants.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and leads a high-performance team to execute and deliver on project objectives holding direct reports and project teams accountable in the appropriate manner

• Maintains technical competence in materials, process technology, and product applications as they relate to glass mat manufacturing and applications

• Interfaces with manufacturing facilities, building relationships, and establishing support to execute projects in a cross-functional environment.

• Drives projects to completion in the lab and at various plants simultaneously, on time, well documented and within budget to meet business and customer objectives. Communicates to all stakeholders from plant personnel, operations management, finance, purchasing, marketing, and research and development to drive projects.

• Achieves substantial cost savings for the business.

• Identifies opportunities that could impact sustainability with innovative solutions and works with R&D, operations, and technical teams to develop and deploy.

• Works seamlessly with Saint-Gobain North American Research & Development Center (SGR-NA), CertainTeed Roofing Engineering, and other R&D resources within Saint-Gobain (SG).

• Defines material properties and critical to quality attributes.

• Manages the Stage Gate process for team and individual projects including leading the technical components of Gate reviews and ensuring all related documentation is complete.

• Develops and encourages innovation and Intellectual Property (IP) development and fosters IP development through the patent process with legal support.

• Continuously evaluates workplace for safety concerns and ensures behavioral safety initiatives are performed to goal levels.

Required Qualifications

• BS Degree with a minimum of 15+ years’ experience, or MS with 10+ years of experience, or Ph.D. with 6+ years plus demonstrated technical judgment/accomplishments in Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related disciplines, with a preference for Textile Material Science. 

•  6+ years of hands-on experience with manufacturing processes/equipment in an industrial or research setting.

Company Summary

Saint-Gobain Research (SGR) North America is one of Saint-Gobain’s largest industrial research laboratories. The center is home to more than 400 employees working at the leading edge of innovation on multidisciplinary industrial research, preparing the future by designing tomorrow's products and processes across an amazing variety of markets and technical disciplines. Since 1985, SGR North America has been supporting existing businesses, developing future businesses, and nurturing talent.

Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the wellbeing of each of us and the future of all. They can be found everywhere in our living places and our daily life: in buildings, transportation, infrastructure and in many industrial applications. They provide comfort, performance and safety while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and climate change.

Legal Statement

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

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