Sr Research Scientist - Adhesives

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is the North American leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions. Hardie® products offer long lasting beauty and endless design possibilities with trusted protection and low maintenance. The company pioneered modern fiber cement building products and continues to invest in innovation to transform the industry. James Hardie is a high-performance organization, with an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm. The company proudly employs a diverse workforce of over 3,000 employees across operations in North America.

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Onsite from the Fontana, CA Research & Development Facility

The Senior Research Scientist in Adhesives/Coating Technology will be responsible for the execution of projects and will work with cross-functional teams to develop next generation coating technologies, from concept development, feasibility study and technology/product development, delivering new product innovation to the market.

Desired expertise and knowledge areas will be in adhesives and coating technologies. This position will report to the Director of Materials Technology and due to involvement of the generation of new technologies, the successful candidate will have a highly visible position in the organization.

What You’ll Do:

• Develops and implements strategic and technical direction by:

• Developing and executing plastic film, laminate, adhesive/coating technology long-term roadmap that enable further differentiation and competitiveness of James Hardie products.
• Developing laminate and coating capabilities for James Hardie
• Developing and leveraging external partnerships with the best in laminate film industry
• Providing technical guidance and oversight on multidisciplinary laminate and packaging technology related projects
• Manage the scheduling, delegation, production, timely delivery and quality of all project outputs, in accordance with priorities set from the business.
• Implementing realistic project plans
• Leading teams working on adhesive formulation and development of new and improved products through the research and development stage.
• Managing the stage gate process to be able to meet all established milestones and overall business objectives.

• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with internal colleagues, customers, external vendors and service providers by:

• Communicating project progress accurately and timely to technical and business leaders.
• Collaborating with other technical managers on projects to maximize the utilization of the expertise and sharing of resources.

• Develops the processes, tools and techniques to manage the teams to achieve the required outcomes, and to realize organizational and business operational goals by:

• Providing direction and guidance for team leaders within the R&D organization in various committees, work groups and task force teams
• Resolving team conflicts, listening to different perspectives and ideas, offering expertise, and defining objectives and overall vision.
• Promoting organizational change and adoption of common business processes; and
• Building capability of team members to ensure bench strength within the Department

• Creates an awareness of the importance of maximizing operational efficiency within JH Research and other functional groups that work closely with R&D by:

• Foster an innovative and agile working environment to support cross-functional collaboration
• Manage the generation of Intellectual Property and Trade secrets in the areas of technology development

• Foster and maintain a culture of ZeroHarm:

• Ensure that James Hardie’s operations are in line with Work Health and Safety Requirements at all times.
• Report any incidents, hazards, near misses or “at-risk” behaviors in a timely fashion
• Comply with any reasonable request related to health and safety including attending health and safety related training, participating in health and safety initiatives / activities and ensuring that either your acts or omissions do not place any person at risk
• Providing supervision and training to others to allow them to perform their work safely
• Responding to any hazard or incident that is raised by another James Hardie team member and provide or seek the support required to allow them to work safely and respond to the identified workplace issue.

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.

What You’ll Bring:  

• SKILLS
• Demonstrated capability in plastic film formulation, lamination process, packaging applications and coating technology development.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and high regard for quality, delivery and cost management.
• Ability to think strategically with an inquisitive and creative mindset.
• Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and with other aspects of an operating business (e.g., marketing, sales, manufacturing, logistics)
• KNOWLEDGE
• Minimum of BS in Engineering or Chemistry (plastic engineering, polymer science/engineering, coating science/engineering, chemical engineering, or materials sciences) required (degree must be from an accredited institution).
• Extensive knowledge with laminate film formulations and processes, as well as thermal cured, radiation cured and other coating curing technologies, is preferred.
• Knowledge of interfacial chemistry between paint and adhesives
• Knowledge in laminate film and packaging technology
• Knowledge in plastic film winding and unwinding process and equipment.
• Knowledge about interface chemistry is plus.
• Knowledge in project management tools
• EXPERIENCE
• 3+ years of experience in the field of in adhesives and plastic film
• Experience in laminate film/adhesion lamination process and coating technology is a big plus
  • Plastic film unwinding process control and equipment
  • Adhesive chemistry and interfacial chemistry with paints
  • Plastic film coextrusion

What You’ll Receive:

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.

• Comprehensive low-cost co-pay Health Insurance; medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance benefits for every 30+ hour full-time employee. Insurance starts on day one!
• 401(k) Retirement plan that will match 100% of employees saved dollars up to the first 6% of your salary
• Paid holidays, paid vacation including Jury Duty and bereavement leave
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental Leave
• Community Involvement & Sustainable Solutions - Fire Resistant Siding to Help Rebuild the Grizzly Flats Community | James Hardie
• And more

The expected compensation range for this position is between $100K and $130K. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, market conditions, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position qualifies for benefits which may also include a discretionary bonus.

Apply now and come “home” to Hardie!

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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.