Wood Composite Scientist

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.