Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The R&D Process Engineer (MPI) is a hands-on technical role responsible for developing, scaling, and industrializing new materials, formulations, and manufacturing processes for wood fiber and composite door products. This role sits at the critical interface between R&D and Operations, owning the transition from lab and pilot validation to full scale manufacturing, while ensuring process robustness, safety, quality, and cost effectiveness. Success in this role requires strong experimental discipline, plant level troubleshooting capability, and the ability to translate data into executable manufacturing solutions. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Process & Technology Development

• Lead scale-up of new formulations, materials, and processes from lab and pilot equipment to full scale production lines
• Translate R&D learnings into manufacturing ready process windows, control plans, and operating standards

Data Driven Problem Solving & Optimization

• Lead structured root cause analysis using DOE, SPC, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies
• Diagnose and resolve process instability, quality defects, yield loss, and throughput limitations
• Design, execute, and document plant trials, including clear hypotheses, success criteria, and conclusions
• Use statistical and process data to drive decisions-not assumptions

Manufacturing & Plant Interface

• Provide direct technical support to manufacturing teams during trials, startups, and sustained production
• Partner with Operations to implement process improvements, debottlenecking, and other process related initiatives
• Ensure smooth transfer from development into operations, including training, documentation, and risk mitigation
• Travel to manufacturing sites as needed to support trials and troubleshooting

Safety, Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure all development and manufacturing activities comply with Owens Corning safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Embed Design for Safety and risk assessment into all new process development

Project Execution & Collaboration

• Manage process development and capital projects from concept through implementation. Own end to end execution of process development and scale up projects, from concept through pilot validation and manufacturing implementation
• Plan and execute plant trials and process changes, including coordination of resources, materials, equipment availability, and cross functional support
• Track and manage project risks, assumptions, and dependencies, escalating issues early with clear data-based recommendations
• Collaborate cross functionally with R&D, Design, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, and Sourcing
• Communicate technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including leadership
• Ensure projects transition smoothly from development into operations with clear documentation, training, and ownership handoff 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field
• 2+ years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or industrial R&D
• Demonstrated experience scaling processes from lab or pilot to production
• Strong working knowledge of DOE, SPC, and structured problemsolving tools
• Proven ability to work handson in manufacturing environments, not just in labs
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills

Preferred Experience

• Experience with wood fiber, composites, polymers, resins, adhesives, or pressbased manufacturing
• Familiarity with continuous or batch manufacturing processes
• Experience supporting plant trials, startups, or technology transfers
• Background in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma
• Comfort working in ambiguity and earlystage development environments

The base salary range for this position is $78,000 to $100,000, with the potential for up to an additional 10+% if the applicant hired has additional related qualifications. We also offer a substantial benefits package including insurance (medical/dental/vision/life/disability/supplemental offerings), 401k (company contribution regardless of employee participation - plus match), paid time off that considers full professional tenure (vacation, personal floating and standard holidays), Employee Assistance Services, Stock Purchase Program - and more.

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About Owens Corning  

Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages - including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position - to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC). For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.

Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.