Principal Scientist

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plastic executive recruitersGranite Heights (WI)

Natural Sciences Managers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

SENIORITY

Manager

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About the role

A leading manufacturer of commercial building products is seeking aPrincipal TPO Scientistto serve as a senior technical leader within its R&D organization. This individual will help define the next generation of commercial roofing membrane technology, working closely with Product Development, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other technical teams to translate unmet customer needs into innovative, commercially viable products. This is a highly visible technical role with responsibility spanning fundamental polymer science, formulation development, process optimization, intellectual property, scale-up, and commercialization.

What You’ll Do: Shape the long-term technical direction of TPO membrane technology by evaluating emerging polymer chemistries, developing intellectual property, and establishing relationships with universities, suppliers, and external research organizations. Lead product development from early-stage concepts through formulation, laboratory development, pilot trials, manufacturing scale-up, and commercial launch. Develop next-generation membrane technologies across multiple product platforms and contribute to the organization’s multi-year technical roadmap. Advance TPO formulation technology, including UV stabilization, polyolefin blend morphology, scrim encapsulation, durability, sustainability, and cost optimization. Bridge laboratory research and manufacturing implementation by troubleshooting extrusion, calendering, and scrim encapsulation processes and translating technical findings into plant-level improvements. Mentor and develop scientists, engineers, and technicians while strengthening the organization’s technical capabilities. Communicate technical findings through presentations, technical publications, white papers, industry conferences, and cross-functional initiatives. Represent the organization with industry associations, technical committees, standards organizations, customers, suppliers, and research partners. Contribute to the development and interpretation of industry standards and specifications affecting commercial roofing membrane technology.

What You Bring: Bachelor’s degree inChemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred.10+ years of progressive R&D experienceinvolving TPO, polyolefin formulation chemistry, membrane technology, polymer materials, or related process engineering. Extensive hands-on experience withTPO commercial roofing membranes, including polyolefin blend morphology, UV stabilization, heat-weld seam performance, extrusion, calendering, and membrane manufacturing. Strong understanding of polymer characterization and analytical techniques such asFTIR, DSC, TGA, and rheometry .Familiarity with relevant commercial roofing and materials standards, includingASTM D6878, FM 4470, UL 2218, and UL 790 .Demonstrated experience taking technologies from laboratory development through pilot production, scale-up, and commercialization. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to connect fundamental polymer science to real-world manufacturing challenges. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to audiences ranging from laboratory personnel to senior leadership. Proven ability to lead technical projects, influence cross-functional teams, and mentor developing technical professionals. High-impact technical leadership role within an established manufacturing and R&D organization. Opportunity to influence the future direction of commercial roofing membrane technology. Significant exposure to product development, manufacturing, intellectual property, and external technical organizations. Work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, manufacturing professionals, and product leaders. Competitive compensation and benefits package with opportunities for long-term career development.

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