Principal Scientist - Life Sciences, Manufacturing; Akron OH

If you want to reshape the world and discover your greatest potential, Saint-Gobain provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for innovative problem solvers.

We're one of only two companies in the world that is consistently recognized as both a top Global Employer and a Top 100 Global Innovator, but Saint-Gobain's remarkable story and culture of innovation begins with a team of nearly 200,000 creative, diverse and passionate team members collaborating across the globe. We are committed to our mission to improve lives because, every day, we witness the enormous impact of our efforts on the world around us.

Saint-Gobain Research and Development is looking for a driven, talented, and energetic Principal Scientist to join our growing Life Sciences team. Saint-Gobain is a world leader in developing innovative, high-performance solutions through our expertise in silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), and fluoropolymers.

We are searching for an experienced, hands-on material scientist and project leader to investigate, research, and develop new thermoplastic elastomer material technologies and structures (mainly extruded tubing and sealing profiles) that strengthen our product offerings. New material technologies of focus are thermoplastic elastomer formulations and compounds that provide the desired processing and product performance.

Projects will be led from the initial stages of conceptualization, prototyping and experimental testing, to implementation in manufacturing using a Stage and Gate methodology.

Will be supporting three key product lines while also managing and developing a team of two-four employees.

Key Accountabilities:

Development of new TPE formulations and compounds, including thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). Candidate to use design of experiments and high throughput screening methodologies to expedite the development process. This development effort will require close collaboration with the process development team within R&D and other members from across Life Sciences (e.g. R&D, AE, sales, marketing, operations).

Leads one or more new product development projects across multiple business units within Life Sciences with minimal managerial supervision. Such projects require close collaboration with sales, marketing, and operations along with other key stakeholders, including customers.

Manages a team of one or more research engineers and one or more technicians and grows and mentors this TPE development team. Manages and documents projects effectively with minimal managerial supervision and enables efficient project management based on stage and gate methodology. Data and results to be presented in oral and written form; this includes the generation of project timelines/plans, technical memos, research reports, and presentations to internal customers, project teams, and/or management and periodic presentations and close collaboration with sales, marketing and operation functions.

Customer and factory service support. May include troubleshooting, testing, and analytical support, and travel to manufacturing sites or customers as needed.

Participate in Akron site and various R&D and cross-functional meetings. Includes brainstorming events, site trainings, HSE committee participation, etc.

REQUIRED:

• PhD in Plastics/Polymer Engineering, Science, Chemistry, Material Science, or other related technical disciplines (e.g. Chemical Engineering) - REQUIRED
• 6+ year's experience with formulation DOEs and high throughput screening of polymer formulations and compounds, ideally associated with TPEs - REQUIRED
• 6+ year's experience in project management including cost management- REQUIRED
• Management - People & Projects - REQUIRED
• The R&D function is looked upon for technical leadership within the organization. This is an important role and such leadership must be approached with proper consideration. Credibility is built upon a history of solid technical leadership.
• Responsible for People development and holding direct reports and projects teams accountable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Results oriented mindset to meet or beat project deadlines/timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability in some auxiliary tools such as Minitab, Jump, AI Tools (e.g. MS Cockpit), etc

Saint-Gobain's innovations touch almost every major industry around the world. Within its Life Sciences division, teams are solving critical problems for customers who are getting life-saving medical devices to the frontlines of healthcare, discovering essential medications, and nourishing and connecting the world through consumer, industrial and electronics applications. As one of the world's leading producers of high-performance polymer products, we improve lives by making simple experiences better and being there in life's critical moments.

Our team members recognize that we all create the environment for people to succeed, with a culture built on respect, open and honest communication, and honoring our commitments to our customers and each other. And at the heart of our culture, we've learned working together makes good ideas, great ones.

With a legacy dating back more than 350 years, Saint-Gobain offers employees the stability and security of a leading Global 500 corporation while operating like multiple small and agile start-ups, where entrepreneurial spirit, pioneering teamwork, and bold, forward-thinking ideas pave new paths.

Every team member is encouraged to develop and leverage their unique expertise and strengths to make the greatest impact on the company and our end users. At Saint-Gobain, you're empowered and equipped with countless opportunities and resources for professional development. You will find the support you need to create a vision and roadmap for your career, and make that vision a reality.

Invent yourself at Saint-Gobain Life Sciences; and together, we'll create a better life.

Click here to Explore more opportunities within Saint-Gobain Life Sciences.

Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs.

Health and Wellbeing - Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work.

• Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Healthcare Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• LiveWell Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave

Retirement and Protection - Helping to make the future life you want a reality.

• 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
• Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

Additional Benefits - Helping shape the experience and impact you want

• Commuter Benefits
• Group Legal
• Identity Theft Protection
• Auto and Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance and Discounts
• Back-up Child & Elder Care
• PerkSpot Employee Discount Program

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.