Senior Materials Engineer

With new ownership and supportive leadership at the helm since early 2022, Associated Materials is embarking on a transformation to maximize our potential through investments in people, operations, and brands.

If you want to be part of a company where your ideas and input are more than just encouraged-they're valued-this is the place for you. At Associated Materials, you will be part of the change, and your contributions will provide an immediate and lasting impact, helping us achieve what's possible.

The Sr. Materials Engineer will drive leading edge technologies in the plastics / composites field, while providing technical expertise and leadership. As the subject matter expert, this position will identify, evaluate and select materials used in manufacturing of vinyl and composite products. In addition, the Sr. Materials Engineer will drive new product development, polymer and composite part design, material selection, processing, tooling design, failure analysis, joining/decorating, and testing of polymer-based materials.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Act as primary expert on polymer extrusion and formulation for the company, encompassing both material science and process variables.
• Define formulations and process parameters for polymer products, both new and existing.
• Lead product design, development and validation testing of new products or current product extensions and improvements ensuring aligned with commercialization plan.
• Support and lead cross functional project teams; including management of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Research materials and methods to determine their suitability for use in current and future product designs.
• Design, build and test product prototypes to determine fitness for use and installation methodology (e.g. fastener requirements). Including full scale installation on exterior test walls or structures.
• Facilitate technical design reviews as part of the product development process and facilitate design reviews with external suppliers for raw materials, tooling and molding of plastic / composite products.
• Develop non-standard test methods that provide meaningful performance data to guide decision making, justify commercialization and support marketing claims and product warranties.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, manufacturing and supply chain teams to effectively contribute to new product development and support of quality, reliability, and cost reduction projects.
• Assist with the development and documentation required to obtain regulatory approvals, as needed.
• Utilize best practices in experimental design, structured problem-solving, data interpretation, and additional disciplined approaches to enhance material performance
• Define, plan, and conduct accelerated life testing, materials characterization, and failure analysis (FA) to enhance engineering capability for design
• Work effectively with Safety & Environmental, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Manufacturing
• Work with the Legal team to obtain and protect intellectual property.
• Exhibit commitment for the health and safety of self and all team members.
• Develop & manage project budgets and schedules.
• Interact with raw material suppliers, molders, and mold builders to coordinate and manage the external responsibilities through the product development process.

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in plastic/polymer product design and
• 3+ years of experience in injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and basic composite processes
• Up to 25% travel may be required, including international travel.

PREFERRED EDUCTION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills in order to resolve technical issues.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with the full spectrum of thermoplastics, from commodity grades to specialized engineering grades, as well as thermosets, composites, and elastomers.
• Experienced with guiding and understanding Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for part optimization with polymer-based products and materials.
• Self-started and quick learner, able to work with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge / experience with various processes and materials used to manufacture products made with continuous fiber composites.
• Demonstration and experience with successful deployments of plastic/composite products
• Process knowledge for injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and other common processes used for the manufacturing of products made from polymeric materials.
• Program / project management skills with an understanding of stage gate product development processes.
• Experienced with value chain analysis methodology and value engineering.
• Proven ability to drive innovative ideas/solutions into product designs.

A brand of Associated Materials, Alside has been a leading manufacturer of vinyl siding and accessories and vinyl windows and patio doors for the residential and commercial remodeling and new construction markets for more than seven decades.

With our strong vertical integration of manufacturing, distribution and installation, we provide a one-stop resource for high-quality building materials and streamlined operations. With headquarters in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Alside owns and operates more than 100 supply centers and has seven manufacturing facilities across the U.S.

Associated Materials is an equal opportunity employer.