Principal Scientist - CT Gypsum R&D

Position Description

Job Summary

Position Location can be either Malvern, PA or Northborough, MA

Saint-Gobain’s CertainTeed R&D center is looking for collaborative, talented, and experienced research and development engineer to join our innovation team to lead new product and system development applied to building material.  As a Principal Research Engineer, the candidate will lead an innovation team focusing on gypsum drywall and corners products with improved performances regarding mechanical, fire, acoustic and moisture resistance. The candidate will also support project focused on sustainability to support Saint-Gobain engagement towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Under the direction of the CertainTeed gypsum R&D director, the candidate will be expected to effectively lead cross functional teams by managing others to execute and deliver project objectives. The candidate will lead R&D projects in the areas of product development and system performance, collaborate effectively with R&D colleagues, product managers, operation team, external partners, and external customers, discuss, create and execute project plans, design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and present findings in written and oral formats. Candidate is also expected to play a role in proposing projects and programs to the R&D and to the business. Further the candidate with be responsible for developing direct reports and others within group.

 MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize broad technical background and experience to develop and/or improve products, processes, and performance and/or reduce costs within a major product area.
• Lead New Product Development projects on specific high added value products like fire, acoustic and moisture resistant boards.
• Develop system R&D innovation roadmap for Interior Product Group including gypsum , insulation and architecture business units.
• Network within and out of group, across the Saint-Gobain global network.
• Coordinate work with external suppliers, universities, institutes and contract laboratories.
• Summarize project approaches and results in concise and accurate technical memos/reports.
• Conduct research and development process improvements related to the production of Gypsum Wall Board.
• Develop of custom test methods and prototypes, implementation of new equipment through capital expenditure internal process.
• Develop product and systems within US and Canada regulations constraints (UL, ASTM,…) and advocate for CertainTeed strategy.
• Stay aware of new technology applications and competitive uses of same in work with materials, products and processes.
• Actively research technical literature, prior art, and patents, and seek out potential intellectual property opportunities in collaboration with legal team.
• Manage a portfolio of multiple projects simultaneously, on time, well documented and within budget to meet business and customer objectives.
• Lead projects within a structured process (Stage Gate), with proven contribution to product portfolio development and successful product launches.
• Work with New Product Development Manager and marketing team to maintain innovation roadmap portfolio.

Required Qualifications

COMPETENCIES:

• Proven ability to think critically, strategize and organize tasks autonomously on assigned projects, and establish viable technical and scientific paths forward.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate with all levels of management, customers, colleagues, and external partners.
• Demonstrated good knowledge in HSE and Intellectual Property. 
• Develop understanding of company policies and corporate structure.

REQUIREMENTS:

• BS Degree 15+ years’ experience, MS Degree 10+ years’ experience, PhD 6+ years’ experience in material science and/or building material systems.
• Experienced within building materials, mechanical, fire or acoustic system development and/or performance.
• Project leadership capabilities with multifunctional teams
• Must be proficient with managing lab resources
• Must be at ease in a manufacturing environment
• Up to 40% travel may be required.

Company Summary

Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings.

A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. www.certainteed.com

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.

Principal Scientist - CT Gypsum R&D

Location: Malvern, Pennsylvania

Posting Date: 04/30/2023

Job Code: USA05768