Sr. Research Scientist - Paint- Coatings

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.

 Make your dream career a reality. It’s possible!

The Senior Research Scientist 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 coating technologies – including thermal and radiation curing. 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 a paint technology long-term roadmap that enables further differentiation and competitiveness of James Hardie products.
• Developing coating capabilities for James Hardie.
• Developing and leveraging external partnerships with the best in coatings industry.
• Providing technical guidance and oversight on multidisciplinary paint related projects.
• Leading and managing the scheduling, delegation, production, timely delivery and quality of all project outputs, in accordance with priorities set from the business.
• Implementing realistic project plans and motivating the team to effectively accomplish project goals.
• Leading paint formulation and development of new and improved products through the research and development stage.

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 team members on projects to maximize the utilization of the expertise and sharing of resources.

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

• Providing direction and guidance 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.

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

• Fostering 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.
• 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 paint formulation development and project management.
• Knowledge of chemical and coating regulatory standards – advantageous.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical skills and attention to detail.
• High regard for quality, delivery and cost management.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• 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 Chemistry and Engineering (coating science/engineering, polymer science/engineering, chemical engineering or materials sciences).
• Extensive knowledge with paint formulations and processes, as well as thermal cured, radiation cured and other coating curing technologies, is preferred. 

EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of experience in the field of R&D, innovation, and products.
• Paint formulation and color science/technology background and experience is a big plus.
• Working with technical experts to develop coatings technology from concepts through to product development.

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 

Apply now and come “home” to Hardie!’

 #LI-SM1

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.