The Tape Solutions R&D group at SGR North America is searching for a talented, and experienced researcher specializing in polymers, to design/develop silicone products within our product portfolio. The responsibility will be leading and executing efforts in silicone material formulation, processing, and industrial scale-up processes. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge and experience in polymer science and engineering, and be able to design and conduct independent, accurate, and defensible scientific R&D activities to evaluate and improve the performance/cost of existing products, develop new products, and/or provide analytical and technical support to existing technologies and new product development. The candidate should enjoy learning, problem solving, and potentially designing new processes and process technologies. The candidate should demonstrate an open and collaborative approach in all areas of responsibility and seeks out others to enhance and streamline development and decision making.

COMPETENCIES:

• Utilizes broad technical background and experience to develop and/or improve silicone products, processes, and performance and/or reduce costs.

• Strong background in silicone chemistry, formulation, processing, and characterization. In-depth understanding of silicone elastomer structure-property relationships to enable new product development to achieve the specific functional performance.

• Experience with rubber processing (compounding, foaming, extrusion, calendering, coating).

• Proven records in new material/product/process development. Demonstrated aptitude to quickly understand new concepts and technology and apply them. Expertise in statistical data analysis and DOE tools.

• Manage projects from inception through scale-up. Support pilot scale processes and ensure correlation of lab and pilot processes into manufacturing processes.

• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively. Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver outcomes on tight schedules and within budget.

• Excellent communicator who can communicate technically with people from a wide range of background and utilize knowledge to advance projects and identify productive synergies. Able to communicate and use business language in an industrial environment and coordinate with plant operations.

• Document accomplishments in clear and coherent technical reports and presentations.

• Possess a mind set for the value of proper and safe handling of chemicals and the environment.

• BS Degree with a minimum of 7+ years’ experience or MS with 3+ years of experience plus demonstrated technical judgement/accomplishments or an entry level PhD in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science/ Engineering, Organic Chemistry, Plastic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or other related disciplines.

• Experience with silicone elastomers is a big plus.

• Background in rubber processing is preferred.

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.

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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