Job Summary:
Provide technical support, leveraging expertise in expanded foam insulation. Focus on supporting both internal and external customers, developing innovative products, and serving as an expert in new product development and manufacturing processes. Collaborate on cross-functional teams to align with strategic plans and business objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collaborate across functional areas to establish strategic plans for insulating materials and system solutions.
- Work with Code Compliance Manager to support solutions in residential, commercial, and geofoam applications.
- Guide technicians in product development and troubleshooting.
- Solve diverse problems, including product/process development, improvement, field issue resolution, manufacturing efficiencies, and outsourcing support.
- Serve as an industry expert consultant for various stakeholders and host webinars, seminars, and training classes.
- Provide industry support through participation in organizations like ASTM, SPRI, and EPSIA.
- Develop design advances for product and process development, networking internally and externally.
- Identify opportunities for technical projects, including transformational and incremental advances.
- Offer operational and supply chain support, maintaining project schedules.
- Present technical information to non-technical audiences and foster new product introductions.
- Utilize Phase-Gate process and other project management tools for R&D portfolio management.
- Conduct laboratory work, including statistical data analysis, prototype fabrication, testing, and root cause investigation.
- Ensure alignment of Product and Process Development priorities with functional area management.
- Perform other duties as assigned by R&D Director.
Required Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:
- Proactive communication and project leadership skills.
- Logical scientific approach to identify and initiate development projects.
- Analytical problem-solving skills.
- Mechanical aptitude and proficiency in running lab equipment.
- Strong collaboration and networking skills.
- Accurate and timely documentation abilities.
- Strong organizational skills, including sample management and storage.
- Safety-focused, including chemical handling and equipment use.
Competencies:
- Teamwork: Builds trust through open dialogue and collaboration, seeking diverse perspectives.
- Managing Change: Stays on track despite difficulties, addresses conflict to find common ground solutions.
- Continuous Improvement: Maintains a mindset of striving to make things better, applies improvement tools to all aspects of the role.
- Customer Focus: Listens to understand customer needs, builds trusting relationships, and seeks innovative solutions.
- Continuous Learning: Seeks development opportunities, open to feedback.
- Drive for Results: Acts with urgency, aligns goals with organizational strategy, takes ownership and accountability.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in material science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or similar discipline; Masters or PhD preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in R&D or Product Management.
- Experience developing new products for the residential and commercial construction industry.
- Ability to work across functional areas and businesses.
- Technical role experience related to expanded foam insulation preferred.
- Successful track record with product development and project management.
Working Conditions:
- Office and laboratory environment with an average of 1 week of travel per month.
- Travel is required for this position, averaging 1 week per month.
