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Freelance Operations Research Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

James Hardie

Sr Research Engineer - Polymer Materials

Fontana, CA · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... The Senior Research Engineer / Scientist - Polymer Materials will support the development ... Experience supporting highvolume manufacturing or pilotscale operations. Familiarity with building ...

SwiftX Inc.

Network Planning Expert

Eastvale, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field preferred * 5+ years of experience in logistics network planning, transportation planning ...

SwiftX Inc.

Network Planning Expert

Corona, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field preferred * 5+ years of experience in logistics network planning, transportation planning ...

SwiftX Inc.

Network Planning Expert

Eastvale, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field preferred * 5+ years of experience in logistics network planning, transportation planning ...

DP World

Process Engineer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$90K - $112K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain or Operations Research or related fields with very strong background in engineering redesign and cost savings initiatives. * At least 2 - 3 ...

NAL Syncreon

Process Engineer

Rialto, CA

$90K - $112K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain or Operations Research or related fields with very strong background in engineering redesign and cost savings initiatives. * At least 2 - 3 ...

syncreon

Process Engineer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$90K - $112K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain or Operations Research or related fields with very strong background in engineering redesign and cost savings initiatives. * At least 2 - 3 ...

Zymo Research

Research Intern Sample Prep

Tustin, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... and genetic engineering. In this role, you will be responsible for efficiently executing ... Onsite - Zymo Research Operations - 2961 Dow Ave. Tustin, CA 92780 Disclaimer: At Zymo, we take the ...

Envista

Staff R&D Materials Chemist Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... including R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, Technical Services, Regulatory Affairs, and ... Mentoring junior scientists & engineers * Conduct experiments using appropriate equipment ...

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All JobsOperations Research Engineer JobsFreelance Operations Research Engineer JobsFreelance Operations Research Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Freelance Operations Research Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$49

$137

How much do freelance operations research engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance operations research engineer in Riverside, CA is $49.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $64.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance operations research engineers when working with diverse clients?

Freelance Operations Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding varied client needs, adapting to different industries, and integrating with existing teams remotely. Navigating unclear project scopes and communicating complex analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders can also be demanding. Building rapport quickly and establishing trust are essential to ensure effective collaboration and project success.

What is the difference between Freelance Operations Research Engineer vs Data Analyst?

AspectFreelance Operations Research EngineerData Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or PhD in operations research, industrial engineering, or related fieldsUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in data science, statistics, or related areas
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often remote, working with multiple clientsFull-time or part-time, often in corporate offices or remote settings
Industry UsageCommon in logistics, manufacturing, supply chain, and consultingPrevalent in finance, marketing, healthcare, and tech sectors

While both roles analyze data to improve decision-making, Freelance Operations Research Engineers focus on optimizing complex systems and processes through advanced modeling, often working independently. Data Analysts interpret data trends to support business insights, typically within organizations. The choice depends on the project scope and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance operations research engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Operations Research Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, optimization techniques, and analytical problem-solving, typically backed by a degree in operations research, mathematics, or engineering. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), optimization solvers, and data analysis tools is essential, along with experience using simulation software. Excellent communication, self-management, and client collaboration skills help set you apart in a freelance environment. These competencies ensure you can deliver effective, data-driven solutions to clients' complex operational challenges while managing projects independently.

What does a freelance operations research engineer do?

A Freelance Operations Research Engineer applies mathematical modeling, statistics, and analytical methods to help organizations solve complex problems and make better decisions. They typically work independently or on a contract basis, analyzing data, developing optimization models, and recommending solutions for areas like logistics, supply chains, scheduling, and resource allocation. Their expertise helps businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance without being tied to a single employer.
What job categories do people searching Freelance Operations Research Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Operations Research Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Freelance Operations Research Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Freelance Operations Research Engineer job openings:
Freelance Operations Research Engineer jobs near you

Sr Research Engineer - Polymer Materials

James Hardie

Fontana, CA • On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

James Hardie rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

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

This position can be based at our Wilmington, OH or Fontana, CA plant

The Senior Research Engineer / Scientist - Polymer Materials will support the development, optimization, and deployment of PVC material technologies for highperformance, durable building products. This role requires deep fundamentals in polymer science and polymer engineering, with emphasis on PVC chemistry, physics, processing, and structure-property-process relationships, bridging laboratory research and manufacturing implementation.

What You'll 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 PVCspecific behavior, including fusion/gelation, thermal stability, shear sensitivity, rheology, and morphology development. Establish and interpret structure-property-processing relationships to balance durability, mechanical performance, surface quality, and manufacturability. Conduct laboratoryscale 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 formulationdriven 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, highyield production. Support pilotscale 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 firstprinciples 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 You'll Bring:

Required Qualifications 

PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering with 0-7 years of experience, or MS with 3-10 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 

Handson experience with PVC compounding, extrusion, or formulation development. Experience supporting highvolume manufacturing or pilotscale operations. Familiarity with building materials and durability requirements. 

What You'll 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. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

  • Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
  • Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
  • Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
  • Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
  • Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
  • Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
  • More: Click here to learn more about our benefits

Build a Better Future for All - Apply now!

#LI-MB22

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, veteran's 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.

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