Research Scientist

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK Exteriors, Versatex, fermacell, and StruXure.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we're united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

Summary

The Research Scientist, reporting to Sr. Director R&D - Decking, Railing & Accessories Product Development, is expected to be a recognized key and critical contributor providing technical direction for major projects in developing decking products with high levels recycled PVC resin in the formulations. The individual is a leader in the formulation and process technology needed to achieve our goals of increasing recycle content while delivering market leading products to our targeted markets. This individual will develop an in-depth understanding of product technology and end use performance, and use this insight to deliver technical, cost reduction, and product projects for business impact and growth.

What You'll Do:

• Expand our understanding and use of PVC products and formulations that utilize greater recycle PVC resin to characterize and specify recycled PVC blends.
• Works on problems of diverse scope, including product/process development, product/process/improvement, field issue resolution, manufacturing efficiencies, and outsourcing support.
• Provides technical direction for major projects, having significant impact on sales or process efficiency. Simultaneously leads several other small projects.
• Expected to have innovative design advances for product and process development.
• Required to present technical direction for major projects and programs that impact a key product area and technology advancement.
• Required to network, internally and externally, to acquire information for projects and identify future opportunities.
• Has knowledge of the industry segment for a single product, including key drivers. Understands competitive technologies.
• Develops FFUs and translates into product specifications. Is practiced in the companys scale-up process from experimentation to commercialization
• Develop project schedules, incorporating key tactical items for other functional areas.
• Required to present program and project proposals with justification to R&D and other senior management.
• Integrate Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement in all projects
• Work with external suppliers and partners to drive projects to the correct conclusion in a timely manner.

What You'll Bring:

• PhD with 0 to 5 years relevant experience
• MS with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• BS with 5 years of relevant experience
• Degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science and Engineering or Chemical Engineering are strongly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma experience is desirable.

Other desired skills:

• Direct experience with formulation and extrusion of polymer systems for exterior use, preferably for building products.
• Demonstrated experience with formulation of systems encompassing process aides, weathering packages, and colorant systems
• Working knowledge of outdoor and accelerated weathering test methods, product requirements and equipment
• Familiarity with US and International Building Code requirements, particularly for exterior Residential Building products is preferred.
• Publication record showing competence with Public Speaking, Contributions to technical literature, and Intellectual Property protection via Patents and Patent Applications.
• Strong background in manufacturing systems, data collection and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated success in interfacing with internal (manufacturing, engineering, quality) and external (contractors, vendors) customers.
• Excellent mechanical aptitude.
• Understand manufacturing processes and technologies

Skills

Candidates should be data driven decision makers.

Candidate soft skills: good multitasking, experienced working well with vendors and contractors. Analytical. Good follow-up. Strong safety mindset. Works well with all levels of operational staff.

What You'll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $85,000 - $90,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. Weve worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

• Comprehensive low-cost co-pay Health Insurance; medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance benefits for every 30+ hour full-time employee. Insurance starts on day one!
• 401(k) Retirement plan that will match 100% of employees saved dollars up to the first 6% of your salary
• Paid holidays, paid vacation including Jury Duty and bereavement leave
• Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program. Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Community Involvement & Sustainable Solutions
• Click here to learn more about our benefits

Apply now and come "home" to Hardie!

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This role is an opportunity to join the AZEK Group, LLC, a part of the James Hardie Building Products family of companies, where you'll contribute to a culture driven by growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veterans status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.