Lab Operations Engineer

Job Title: Lab Operations Engineer

OC Business Title: Advanced Engineer

Location: Summit, IL - S&T

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Lab Operations Engineer is critical to the long-term strategy of the Owens Corning (OC) Roofing Business, particularly impacting our Asphalt Innovation team. This role will be based at the Asphalt Technical Services & Testing Laboratory in Summit, IL. This supports the manufacturing and new product development activities for the Roofing & Asphalt business segments. The work includes supporting lab operations and improvements, product testing, data collection and analysis, and facility maintenance. This position works closely with the asphalt sourcing, product development, pilot line, quality, IP teams and customers.

Reports to: R&D Leader, Asphalt Innovation

Span of Control: Individual contributor - accountability to lead contracted talent

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety, Health, and Well-Being in the Workplace (10%)

• Commit to our safety stand

• All accidents are preventable; safety is everyone's responsibility and working safely is a condition of employment

• Identify and correct safety hazards in the workplace and improve the safety of our processes through Design Hazard Eliminations (DHEs)

• Actively participate in regular safety meetings, training, and huddles

• Actively participate in Granville Science & Technology's Roofing Safety Steering Team to share best practices between sites on safety

• Ensure rigorous compliance to standard safety procedures and OC corporate policies, including documentation of Standard Operating Procedures and Job Hazard Analyses for new or modified methods

• Support health and well-being in the workplace by promoting participation in wellness programs, empowering appropriate work/life balance and prioritizing self-care through I&D initiatives

Maintain Operational Excellence (60%)

• Coordinate the scheduling, maintenance, and calibration of the lab equipment and instruments to maintain an AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) re:Source accredited laboratory and state-of-the-art Pilot facility

• Manage the inventory of the lab supplies, materials, and samples for operational readiness

• Ensure the compliance of the lab operations with the company policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards

• Lead the lab's continuous improvement efforts of the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

• Monitor and improve the lab performance, efficiency, and safety

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for lab issues and challenges

• Communicate and report the lab progress, results, and feedback to the research team and external stakeholders

• Identify and implement the best practices and innovations for the lab operations

• Support and train contractors and ensure all OC safety standards are followed during contractor maintenance or construction on the building

• Support capital programs as needed for the lab site to support product and process needs

• Interact with fellow team members with respect and helps support their assignments

• Some pre-planned travel to Granville to share lab and LIMS best practices with Roofing S&T labs

Product and Material Testing (30%)

• Develop a strong understanding of the products we make in our asphalt plants and their testing requirements

• Develop a strong understanding of all the standard and nonstandard laboratory testing of asphalt materials (ASTM, AASHTO, and other methods), including chemical and rheological testing/equipment

• Conducts product testing (routine and project, equally), analyzes data, reports results and recommendations for continuous improvement

• Provides technical direction and feedback to others, sharing knowledge throughout the organization

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in material science or engineering, chemistry, polymer science, chemical engineering, paving engineering, or related fields

• 5+ years of experience in chemistry lab, material technology development, and/or product development

• Currently leading a team and/or strong desire to lead a team in the future

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively translate data, knowledge, and insights to multifunctional audiences technical leadership and project direction

• Must understand and use basic data analysis and be comfortable using a computer. A working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) required.

• Pre-arranged up to 20% travel needed to support project work and connect with external asphalt industry stakeholders

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years of demonstrated effective project management on technology and/or product development projects, with ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Experience in executing testing subsequent basic data analysis of new formulations based on benchtop studies and pilot trials

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues

• Innovative mindset and the agility to adapt to and mitigate risks in an ever-changing business

#LI-LS1

About Owens Corning

Masonite is now proudly part of Owens Corning. Owens Corning is a global building and construction materials leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. Our four integrated businesses

• Roofing, Insulation, Doors, and Composites - provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique material science, manufacturing, and market knowledge to help our customers win and grow. We are global in scope, human in scale with more than 25,000 employees in 31 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders, and making a difference in the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2023 sales of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.

Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer.