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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. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2023 sales of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.

 

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, from energy-efficient insulation and durable roofing to high-performance composites and innovative doors, 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. By prioritizing innovation and environmental responsibility, we strive to make a positive impact worldwide, inspiring pride and purpose in every employee.

Owens Corning’s Doors segment is dedicated to providing high-quality, durable door solutions that enhance the aesthetics, security, and energy efficiency of residential and commercial properties. Our range includes wood composite, wood, fiberglass and steel-based entry doors, patio doors, and interior doors, designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. These doors are crafted to offer superior thermal performance, reducing energy costs while providing enhanced comfort and security. We also focus on innovative designs and finishes that complement various architectural styles, ensuring that our doors add value and curb appeal to any property.

Our inclusive and diverse workplace spans the globe, fostering a holistic sense of community and belonging as our talent base expands internationally. We take pride in creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success. At Owens Corning, we believe that investing in our people is essential to building a sustainable and safe enterprise. Our commitment to making a meaningful difference is evident at every level of the organization. From senior leadership to entry-level employees, we strive to instill pride and a sense of purpose in all our team members. We aim to build market-leading businesses that are global in scope yet human in scale, reflecting our dedication to both innovation and personal connection. By joining Owens Corning, you become part of a company that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and community. We are driven by a desire to create a better world, and this mission flows from the top down, inspiring every employee to take ownership of our shared vision. Together, we aspire to make a lasting impact, one that benefits our employees, customers, and communities worldwide.

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, including some programming of process controls.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, resolving process issues, qualifying the process, and ensuring successful implementation.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 (e.g., 5S, Kaizen events).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, such as woodfiber, MDF, HDF, engineered wood, or particleboard.Expertise in process technologies relevant to wood composite manufacturing, such as fiber refining, binder addition, hot pressing, adhesive bonding, and surface finishing techniques.Experience with automation and control systems used in wood composite manufacturing to enhance efficiency and precision.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 to maintain high standards in wood composite door production.Ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment, collaborating effectively with team members and leaders from other functions.Capability to conduct process failure analysis and material testing to improve product reliability and performance.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 and respective manufacturing.Proficiency in relevant computer software and applications is required; Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Able to navigate within a large corporation and demonstrate resilience while looking for opportunities to generate value and commercialize ideas.Resilience and Tolerance for Ambiguity: Able to make difficult decisions and pursue ambitious goals with limited resources and imperfect information.Planning/Organizing: Focus on key business priorities and translate this focus into productive results by clarifying goals. Track record of successful project management.Curious Learner: Passionate about technologies, constantly learning and ideating.Conflict Management: Comfortable managing conflicting points of view; able to make and communicate tough decisions to affected parties.Alignment and Decision Making: Shows good, independent judgment; involves the appropriate individuals in discussions but ultimately owns decisions and commits to a course of action.Collaboration: Positively influence the activity of others, both internal and external, to achieve business goals; energetic team player who enjoys working with cross-functional and international teams in a fast-paced environment.

Our Benefits:

Medical Plans (HSA Basic, HSA Plus, or PPO)Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D InsuranceShort and Long-Term Disability InsurancePaid Parental Leave and Adoption BenefitsEmployee Assistance Program (EAP/Wellness)Paid Holidays401(k) with Company MatchEducational Assistance ProgramVacation TimeAdvancement Opportunities (we promote from within)Referral bonusCompany 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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