R&D Developer for Automotive Films

Company DescriptionContinental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist that develops and produces sustainable, safe and convenient solutions for automotive manufacturers as well as industrial and end customers worldwide. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets. ContiTech is one of the world's leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 39,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.4 billion euros (2024), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Working in R D in Winchester, VA offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, hands‑on environment where Developers are responsible for the successful completion of development projects as technical experts, contributing to state‑of‑the‑art knowledge while driving novel ideas and innovations in close partnership with project teams, peers, and customers.

Job Description

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN

IMPACTThe Developer is responsible for the successful completion of development projects and serves as a technical expert within the development team. The role contributes to state‑of‑the‑art material knowledge, supports novel ideas and innovations, and provides technical consultation to project teams, peers, and customers. The position emphasizes hands‑on material, formulation, and product development, with direct involvement in execution, validation, and technical problem solving.

Key Targets of the RoleSuccessful execution of assigned development projects within defined time, cost, and quality targetsTechnical ownership of material formulations, product constructions, and development resultsContribution to regional product knowledge and development capabilitySupport of customer‑ and market‑driven development activities

Internal & External InterfacesInternal:

Research, Sales, Design, Operations, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Laboratories, Marketing, Human Relations, Management SystemsExternal:

Customers, suppliers, strategic technology partners, industry and regulatory bodiesAreas of Responsibility & Main TasksStrategyContribute to new developments within the development teamMaintain assigned aspects of the product portfolioDefine standard constructions for customers and support transfer to other regions or technical centersEnsure fit‑for‑purpose solutions and time‑to‑market performancePerform product benchmarkingIdentify and support strategic technology partnershipsDevelopment & Technical ExecutionLead technical development projectsAct as a technical expert within project teamsOwn material formulations and product constructionsPerform and coordinate development testing and validationEnsure robust and repeatable development outcomesProduct RealizationComplete product developments within defined quality, cost, and timing frameworksSafeguard product robustness and standardization requirementsSupport smooth product and construction launchesPropose continuous optimization within the regional product lifecycle processInnovationContribute to innovation through cross‑functional collaborationApply polymer and material expertise to solve technical challengesSupport internal and external interfaces as a technical specialistQuality & ComplianceWork in compliance with quality guidelines, legal requirements, and safety regulationsEnsure development results meet customer and product expectationsMaintain appropriate technical documentation, approvals, and recordsCustomer & Commercial SupportProvide technical support and consultation to cross-functional teamsSupport customer‑specific development requestsParticipate in customer discussions where technical input is requiredQualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE

ROLEEducation:

Master's or Bachelor's in Chemistry (or equivalent)

Professional Experience:

Basic experience in development or technical projects

Project Experience:

Basic experience in Project managementRequired Capabilities (Our Behaviors)

Core Behaviors:

QualityResults OrientationOwnershipCollaborationAdditional Behaviors:

Customer OrientationProblem SolvingCommunicationLearning & Continuous ImprovementInnovationTeamworkLegal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.

No Relocation Provided for this role.

Additional InformationTHE PERKSCompetitive PayImmediate BenefitsPaid Time OffEmployee Discounts, including tire discountsCompetitive Bonus ProgramEmployer 401(k) MatchOn-Site GymAnd more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back. Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.