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, were 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 Senior Research Engineer / Scientist Polymer Materials will support the development, optimization, and deployment of PVC material technologies for high-performance, durable building products. This role requires deep fundamentals in polymer science and polymer engineering, with emphasis on PVC chemistry, physics, processing, and structurepropertyprocess relationships, bridging laboratory research and manufacturing implementation.
What Youll Do:
Key Responsibilities
Polymer Formulation & Materials Development
Develop, optimize, and evaluate PVC formulations, including base resins, stabilizer systems, lubricants, impact modifiers, process aids, fillers, and pigments. Apply fundamental polymer science and engineering principles (polymer thermodynamics, viscoelasticity, molecular weight effects, phase behavior, and degradation mechanisms) to guide formulation design. Demonstrate strong understanding of PVC-specific behavior, including fusion/gelation, thermal stability, shear sensitivity, rheology, and morphology development. Establish and interpret structurepropertyprocessing relationships to balance durability, mechanical performance, surface quality, and manufacturability. Conduct laboratory-scale compounding, extrusion, and molding to support new product, cost, and sustainability initiatives. Drive AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development.
Process & Manufacturing Support
Support PVC extrusion and compounding processes, including formulation-driven troubleshooting of surface defects, instability, degradation, dimensional control, and throughput limitations. Apply polymer processing fundamentals (heat transfer, shear and elongational flow, residence time, die swell, cooling, and orientation effects) to diagnose and resolve manufacturing issues. Partner with manufacturing, quality, and process engineering teams to scale laboratory formulations to robust, high-yield production. Support pilot-scale and plant trials.
Testing & Characterization
Design and execute experimental plans using thermal, mechanical, rheological, and environmental characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, weathering, impact, tensile, flexural). Interpret data using first-principles understanding of polymer behavior and PVC material response. Maintain high standards for documentation and technical rigor.
Project Management & Technical Communication
Plan and execute technical projects with defined scope and milestones. Communicate complex polymer concepts clearly through written reports and presentations. Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
What Youll Bring:
Required Qualifications
PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with 07 years of experience, or MS with 310 years of experience.
Strong fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry and polymer engineering. Deep understanding of PVC materials including stabilization chemistry, fusion behavior, degradation mechanisms, and extrusion processing.
Experience in AI assisted material characterizations and formulation development for composite materials.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Travel 35% (mainly domestic)
Preferred Qualifications
Hands-on experience with PVC compounding, extrusion, or formulation development. Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing or pilot-scale operations. Familiarity with building materials and durability requirements.
What Youll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $120,000 - $135,000. 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 and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
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.
Build a Better Future for All - Apply now!
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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.
At <span itemprop="name">James Hardie</span>, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to James Hardie employees.<br/><br/> Our <b>Health Insurance</b> program provides comprehensive coverage at a low co-pay cost for our employees that includes medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance benefits for every 30+ hour full-time employee. The monthly insurance premium cost for an employee only is fully paid by James Hardie and results in no cost to you. For employees selecting spouse or family coverage, you pay a small monthly premium. In addition, you automatically receive <b>Accident and Life Insurance</b> coverage equal to 1.5 times your base salary as well as <b>Short Term Disability Insurance</b> that pays a percentage of earnings up to 13 weeks for salaried employees and 26 weeks for hourly. And, you can purchase additional voluntary <b>Term Life Insurance</b> for yourself, spouse and children through bi-weekly payroll deductions.<br/><br/> Want to save money on taxes? Our <b>Flexible Spending Accounts</b> lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and dependent care expenses that you would typically pay out of your pocket with after-tax dollars.<br/><br/> When you run into a personal problem requiring special help, we have a free <b>Employee Assistance Program (EAP)</b>. If you're not familiar with EAP's, it is a confidential program that offers professional assistance for life situations including alcoholism; drug abuse; marital, family, and emotional issues; financial issues; and more.<br/><br/> Need an auto insurance quote or legal services? Met Life Auto & Home Insurance along with MetLaw can provide these services to you at a low group rate.<br/><br/> We honor 10 paid holidays as well as <b>Funeral Leave</b> and <b>Jury Duty Leave</b> and paid time off.<br/><br/> What about retirement? James Hardie offers enrollment in <b>401(k) Retirement plan</b> four times a year and will match 100% of employees saved dollars up to the first 6% of your salary. In many cases, employees can save up to 50% of their pay before taxes.<br/><br/> To help manage your income employees also have options for <b>Direct Deposit</b> and for optional James Hardie <b>Credit Union </b>participation which offers a Visa card, loans, CD's, IRA's and standard checking and savings accounts.<br/><br/> And did we mention discount tickets for amusement parks, recreation sites and movie theaters?<br/><br/> <b>Note: This is a summary of James Hardie USA benefits for employees not covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement and is not to be used as a full description of these benefits. Please contact Human Resources for more detailed information.</b>