Principal R&D Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Lab Automation and Testing Systems Lead is a hands-on technical lead responsible for advancing Roofing Systems Lab capabilities through the integration of automation, testing excellence, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
This role blends testing leadership, automation development, continuous improvement, and equipment ownership to deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable testing operations that support both current business needs and future innovation. The individual will partner across Roofing to prioritize and execute testing, develop new capabilities and automation solutions, and ensure equipment reliability and compliance through TPM, maintenance, and other lab systems.
This role also serves as a key enabler for innovation by developing and implementing automated and prototype-based solutions, while ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and industry expectations.
Reports to: Roofing Systems Program Leader
Span of Control: Individual contributor responsible for testing, automation systems, and equipment ownership.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Living Safely
• Actively participates in R&A monthly safety meetings, quarterly Safety Stand Down Days, team safety audits, and other site wide safety related events.
• Actively participates in safety programs and ensures compliance with OC corporate policies and procedures.
• Maintains a safe work environment for self, team, and those across the enterprise.
• Incorporates safety best practices into equipment, automation systems, and testing processes.
• Leads and supports lab safety documentation creation and updating, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs), and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
Core Support & Testing Leadership
• Collaborate with partners across Roofing to prioritize and execute testing aligned with business needs.
• Leads execution of product testing including compliance, product development, and competitive benchmarking.
• Communicates progress, data, and insights to stakeholders and supports decision making.
• Ensures accurate, timely delivery of testing results and insights.
• Develops expertise in product-specific test methods and roofing product performance.
• Identifies and implements improvements or new test methods to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Executes and supports audits, certifications, and compliance reviews as required.
• Supports onboarding, training, and alignment of lab best practices.
Automation & Capability Development
• Designs and implements automation solutions to improve testing efficiency, repeatability, and data quality.
• Identifies opportunities to replace manual processes with automated systems.
• Integrates equipment, sensors, and data acquisition systems into scalable testing platforms.
• Leads and supports development of new testing capabilities aligned to product and innovation needs.
• Develop and implement prototypes as needed to accelerate and enhance lab capabilities and testing methods.
• Coordinates fabrication, installation, and commissioning of systems and equipment.
• Validates new capabilities, communicates outcomes to cross-functional stakeholders and documents learnings.
• Ensures proper documentation and protection of intellectual property and adherence to NDA requirements.
• Provides training and support to system users, ensuring high adoption and effective use of tools
• In partnership with leadership defines lab metrics and KPI's relative to prospective and existing automated capabilities.
TPM, Equipment Ownership & Maintenance
• Leads Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) for lab equipment.
• Develops and maintains preventative maintenance and calibration programs.
• Ensures equipment uptime, reliability, and readiness to meet testing demands.
• Leads troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Manages equipment lifecycle, upgrades, and capability enhancements.
• Purchases and maintains current inventory of spare parts.
• Collaborates with teams across enterprise to share and identify new TPM best practices.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science field OR 3-5 years equivalent technical experience.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Exposure to ASTM, and international standards.
• Hands-on experience with equipment operation, maintenance, or mechanical systems, strong mechanical aptitude.
• Experience or exposure to automation, instrumentation, or control systems.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in project management including leading through influence.
• Ability to identify and implement custom solutions with an "out of the box" mindset.
• Experience with capital management processes.
• Ability to travel up to 5%.
• Ability to be onsite for work.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work in a lab environment.
PREFFERED EXPERIENCE:
• Strong working knowledge of Roofing testing methodology and Roofing products.
• Demonstrated ability to generate new and innovative solutions and processes.
• Experience with automation systems (PLCs, sensors, data acquisition, etc.)
• Experience designing and executing validation testing.
• Experience with TPM, maintenance systems, and equipment reliability.
• Experience with CAD, prototyping, or fabrication techniques.
• Familiar with Instron operation and troubleshooting, including test method creation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Practices safety-conscious behaviors in all operational processes and procedures.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Makes data-driven decisions and focuses on the root cause of the problem.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across the organization.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments with constant desire and ability to learn new things.
• Ability to balance workload across multiple pillars of the lab.
• Understanding of quality systems and compliance expectations.
• Collaborative working style with strong communication and partnership skills.
• Self-motivated, accountable, and able to prioritize effectively.
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.