R&D Wood Composite Process Development Scientist

We heard you knock!

Masonite is now proudly part of Owens Corning. Owens Corning is a global building and construction materials leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation.

Our four integrated businesses Roofing, Insulation, Doors, and Composites provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique material science, manufacturing, and market knowledge to help our customers win and grow.

We are global in scope, human in scale with more than 25,000 employees in 31 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders, and making a difference in the communities where we work and live.

Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.

Owens Corning Business Title : R&D Wood Composite Process Development Scientist

Location : West Chicago, Illinois (Owens Corning - Masonite Innovation Center)

Job Description :

Join an organization where every employee plays a crucial role in our ambitious growth and success. Owens Corning, a Fortune 500 market leader, is dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions across Insulation, Roofing, Composites, and Doors.

Our products enhance comfort, security, and sustainability. We foster an inclusive, diverse workplace with a global community, investing in our people to build a sustainable, safe enterprise.

The exciting opportunity for an R&D Wood Composite Process Development Scientist will be located at our Owens Corning - Masonite Innovation Center in West Chicago, Illinois.

The selected candidate will be responsible for leading process development initiatives related to interior and exterior composite products.

This aligns with our organizational goal of achieving operational excellence, which includes expertise in various composite manufacturing processes.

The role involves identifying the best-fit technologies for our business, conducting rigorous testing and evaluation, qualifying, and implementing these processes in production.

The candidate will collaborate with multiple teams across the company and provide leadership characterized by integrity and accountability.

Reports to : Director, R&D and Innovation Strategy

Scope : Individual contributor, Percent Travel 10 % - 25 %

Responsibilities :

• Lead efforts to develop process technologies for wood composites and identify cost reduction opportunities in design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct prototype process evaluations by designing experiments, analyzing results, formulating conclusions, and making recommendations.
• Oversee process definition, purchase, installation, and commissioning of process capabilities at Owens Corning production facilities for sustaining innovation and new product development.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for woodfiber composite facings, ensuring product consistency and quality.
• Oversee the design, testing, and implementation of manufacturing processes for wood composite doors, focusing on efficiency, durability, and performance.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate research findings and project progress.
• Ensure all new pilot and laboratory capabilities comply with safety, environmental, and health regulations.
• Document new processes and procedures through records of invention, equipment specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and behavioral job analyses (BJAs).
• Develop and implement testing protocols to ensure product quality and performance.
• Coordinate with suppliers, external and in-house test labs, and maintain communication with stakeholders.
• Lead the scale-up of new or modified process and product technologies in our manufacturing plants by designing and conducting production trials.
• Interface with manufacturing engineering and production technicians to improve processes, troubleshoot issues, and facilitate operations across all manufacturing plants.
• Lead or participate in safety, quality, productivity, or housekeeping improvement programs.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in wood composite materials and other wood-based products.

Minimum Qualifications :

Master’s degree in Wood Science and Engineering, Materials Science, Composite Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required;

a Ph.D. is preferred with a strong knowledge and experience in wood composite materials and manufacturing processes.

Experience Requirements :

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Research and Development with a deep understanding of wood composite materials and their application in manufacturing processes.
• Proven success in leading the development and implementation of process technologies to support new product launches and advanced manufacturing initiatives.
• Experience with process technologies specific to wood composite manufacturing.
• Expertise in process technologies relevant to wood composite manufacturing.
• Experience with automation and control systems used in wood composite manufacturing.
• Understanding of the dimensional stability of wood-based components and its effect on product performance.
• Capable of working independently, including conducting research, designing experiments, analyzing results, and developing recommendations.
• Proficiency in implementing and monitoring quality control procedures.
• Ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.
• Capability to conduct process failure analysis and material testing.
• Execute with a sense of urgency and an open innovation mindset.
• Knowledge of industry standards, building codes, and compliance requirements related to wood composite materials.
• Proficiency in relevant computer software and applications is required; Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Entrepreneurial Mindset.
• Resilience and Tolerance for Ambiguity.
• Planning / Organizing.
• Curious Learner.
• Conflict Management.
• Alignment and Decision Making.
• Collaboration.

Our Benefits :

• Medical Plans (HSA Basic, HSA Plus, or PPO)
• Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave and Adoption Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP / Wellness)
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Educational Assistance Program
• Vacation Time
• Advancement Opportunities
• Referral bonus
• Company Stock Purchase Program

This is a full-time position requiring weekday (Monday - Friday) work onsite at our Innovation Center in West Chicago, IL, with limited flexibility to work from home.

This position may require up to 25% domestic travel.

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