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Principal TPO Scientist Plastic Executive Recruiters, LLC Akron, OH Job Details Full-time $160,000 - $220,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Relocation assistance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance Qualifications Polymers experience in materials engineering New product introduction engineering projects Materials engineering experience within manufacturing Chemical scale-up projects Polymer chemistry Research project technical leadership Extrusion machines Bachelor's degree Managing teams of scientists Technology transfer (scale-up process) Materials analysis (analytical chemistry specialty) Engineering research Mentoring Organizational skills Leading team collaboration initiatives Chemistry Industrial research Experience in a research and development laboratory environment Chemical new product development projects Cross-functional team management Materials Science Cross-functional communication Senior leadership Full Job Description Job Description A leading manufacturer of commercial building products is seeking a Principal TPO Scientist to 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 in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science , or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of progressive R D experience involving TPO, polyolefin formulation chemistry, membrane technology, polymer materials, or related process engineering. Extensive hands-on experience with TPO 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 as FTIR, DSC, TGA, and rheometry . Familiarity with relevant commercial roofing and materials standards, including

ASTM 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. Opportunity 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. H2

Pay:

$160,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Relocation assistance Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years of of progressive R D experience in TPO polyolefin formulation chemistry, TPO membrane science, or process engineering within a laboratory or manufacturing environment? How many years of expertise in TPO commercial roofing membrane systems (TPO) or closely related thermoplastic polyolefin film/sheet products (strongly preferred)? Name the products.

Work Location:

In person