$120K - $135K/yr
... The Senior Research Engineer / Scientist - Polymer Materials will support the development ... Conduct laboratoryscale compounding, extrusion, and molding to support new product, cost, and ...
$120K - $135K/yr
... The Senior Research Engineer / Scientist - Polymer Materials will support the development ... Conduct laboratoryscale compounding, extrusion, and molding to support new product, cost, and ...
| Aspect | Senior Polymer Compounding | Polymer Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or related field; experience in polymer formulation | Associate degree or technical certification in polymer technology or chemistry |
| Work Environment | Research labs, manufacturing plants, quality control | Production lines, laboratory testing, equipment operation |
| Responsibilities | Developing formulations, overseeing production, troubleshooting complex issues | Preparing materials, operating equipment, conducting tests |
While both roles involve working with polymers, Senior Polymer Compounding focuses on formulation development and process oversight, requiring more advanced education and experience. Polymer Technicians support daily production and testing tasks, typically with technical certifications. The senior role involves higher-level decision-making and project management, whereas technicians perform more routine tasks under supervision.
The most popular types of Polymer Compounding jobs in California are:
For Senior Polymer Compounding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
The top searched job categories for Senior Polymer Compounding jobs in California are:
Cities in California with the most Senior Polymer Compounding job openings:
Fontana, CA
8.2
Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
85th of 544 rated manufacturers
Good employer
Paid breaks
Respectful managers
Learn new skills
Uninterrupted breaks
$120K - $135K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 20 days ago
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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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Building materials and garden equipment dealers
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Chicago, IL, US
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