Innovation Scientist

The Innovation Scientist will work on technology development, vet end use customer feedback as part of transformational innovation, front end innovation as well as R&D activity including formulations, testing and test development. The role includes but is not limited to innovating new products and processes, supporting existing products and processes, optimizing operational costs and installation costs, as well as the design and performance requirements of products used in building envelope systems. This position will research latest technologies using laboratory, pilot-scale, and plant-scale processing equipment and end use evaluation tools such as ethnography to create new products and building assemblies, test methods, formulations, and processing techniques. Effective communication of this knowledge will be demonstrated by teaching others, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with stakeholders within and outside our organization. This position will operate under the general guidance of the Director R&D/Innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Innovation Research

Work with Universities and startups to identify and develop new technologies leading to transformational innovation
Read and research latest technologies to identify future new products and processes
Collaborate with raw material suppliers to innovate new raw materials
Collaborate and share knowledge with others
New Product / Process Development

Research and Develop technologies to create and sell new products
Create new tests that support new product and process development
Organize work in alignment with business priorities
Cost Reduction

Manage existing formulation
Research new formulations
Technical resource to answer technical questions

Principal Accountabilities

Support the Innovation Leader by maintaining the technical expert role and state of the art technology competencies within the area of focus in Transformational Innovation and Front End Innovation projects.
Develop and maintain the role of technical expert in area of focus for all facets of existing products.
Drive product technology advancements and innovations by investigating, creating, and bringing in new materials, processes, designs, and procedures into the organization.
Manage and lead the Ideation and Building the Business Case efforts of Transformational Innovation, Front-End Innovation and Phase-Gate development projects.
Communicate project status, study results, innovative efforts, etc., regularly and effectively (meetings, reports and presentations).
Adapt to changing business needs and goals.

Required Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

Chemical Formula Expertise & Knowledge

Existing Product line formulations and raw materials
New Product formulation research and development
Operation of analytical, mechanical property and chemical processing equipment
Test equipment knowledge and test method development
Safety compliance and procedures knowledge
Math/algebra/applied statistics
Laboratory Information Data System knowledge
Computer knowledge of current programs
Processing technology

Polymer manufacturing technologies
Small-, Pilot-, Plant-scale processing equipment
Plant batch- and/or continuous-manufacturing processes
Assembly and Fabrication
Testing equipment
Elementary concepts in building envelope system technology

Design
Installation
Product / System testing in the Field
Knowledge of polymer materials and compounds
Company rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Internal processing and purchasing specifications.
Standard test methods and procedures
Handling, storage safe handling of hazardous waste and materials.
Data Analysis

Leadership skills
Interpersonal skills-oral communication, written communication
Computer literacy
Operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of all lab equipment
Individual and group probl m solving skills
Mathematical reasoning and problem solving

A Masters or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science and Engineering, Material Science & Engineering (or related technical discipline).
Experience – Five years or more as an R&D Chemist in an R&D facility with experience in polymer or polymer composite product development and processing. Experience in one of the fields of rubber sheet product development or thermoplastic sheet product development including formulation and their associated processing technologies such as mixing, extrusion and calendaring are a plus.

Travel Requirement

Some travel is required, approximately 10 to 20% of travel time (although more travel may be required on occasion).

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Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled