Senior Thermoplastics Materials Development Engineer

ANDERSEN CORPORATION SUMMARY

At Andersen, we pride ourselves on our core values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership and being a leader in Corporate Citizenship. Headquartered in Bayport, Minn., Andersen Corporation is the largest window and door manufacturer in North America. Newsweek recognized Andersen as one of "2023 America's Greatest Workplaces."

We're focused on bringing more light into people's lives by helping them create healthier, happier spaces to build memories and do what they love. This applies to our team, too. Andersen embraces our nine Employee Resource Networks to celebrate our differences and to champion diversity. We are named as a Forbes "Best Employer for Diversity 2022."

Earning the 2023 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence Award, Andersen is also committed to environmental health and sustainability. No matter your role, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference at Andersen.

SUMMARY:

Want to be a part of the team that is taking Andersen thermoplastics and composites to the next level? Andersen is looking for an experienced and innovative Senior Materials Engineer to join our growing Thermoplastics Research and Development team! Be a core member of the team that develops and evaluates new or existing thermoplastic technologies and processes for Andersen's extensive portfolio of products.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated, passionate, and have a strong technical background in polymer science with a proven track record of development and optimization of thermoplastic materials and processes for various applications. Projects may involve investigating, developing, and commercializing new thermoplastic material and processing technologies, enhancing existing materials and processes, improving quality, reducing cost, reducing waste, and stabilizing supply chains. A large component of this role is to apply and coach the scientific method to assess and build confidence in feasible technical solutions. Position will be based at Andersen's Corporate Research and Development center located in Bayport, MN. Potential for role to grow into technical and people leadership opportunity.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a materials engineer or Engineering lead in the Thermoplastics and Extrusion Development (TED) group with a focus on thermoplastic materials and related processes within blending, compounding, and extrusion
• Be a subject matter expert in thermoplastic material creation and uses across the enterprise, including suppliers
• Stay abreast of thermoplastic industry technology developments and explore their use in Andersen products
• Lead the investigation, evaluation, and execution of technology (i.e., material, process, or equipment) development or improvement projects via a stage-gate project management process
• Establish and sustain strong collaborative relationships with key partners and suppliers
• Use a science-based approach and tools to solve complex technical problems with practical solutions (i.e., Design of Experiments, process mapping, process capability analysis, Pugh matrix, FMEA, MSA, control plans, etc.)
• Understand and be proficient in methodologies for the evaluation and performance of thermoplastic materials
• Proficiently run lab-scale equipment, such as a blender, compounder, and extruder
• Work independently and collaboratively on most aspects of work, only requiring general direction with occasional work review
• Create and execute test plans, along with writing test reports to capture findings from the resulting work
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing at all levels internal and external customers
• Travel as needed up to 15% travel

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

MUST HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. Materials Science, Polymers, Chemical, Composites, or similar Engineering degree with 8+ years relevant experience
• Deep knowledge of polymer chemistry, composites, and thermoplastics processing technologies
• Familiarity with the thermoplastics industry testing standards and evolving regulatory requirements
• Cross-functional project management experience with preference to product and/or material development experience
• Self-motivated with a demonstrated track record of scientific and data-based problem-solving skills
• Strong technical curiosity with ability to handle ambiguity
• Passionate about building and sustaining relationships with our internal and external customers and suppliers
• Passion to coach and mentor others
• Experience in strategy development and deployment
• Ability to independently navigate shifting priorities
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

NICE-TO-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in thermoplastic material testing, selection, and processing (compounding, extrusion, blending, injection molding)
• Thermoplastic material formulation and formulating experience
• Prior leadership (people and technical strategy) experience strongly preferred
• Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to be hands on
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills

CULTURE AND BENEFITS:

"Be Orange. Be You" is how we express our belief that by embracing our differences and empowering you, we'll be a stronger team able to accomplish what otherwise wouldn't be possible. This Orange spirit has helped us become the #1 innovative window and door brand* and the one homeowners love the most.** It's also why we're committed to supporting you to approach each day with a bright outlook.

Benefits include, and are not limited to:

* Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

* Health Savings Account contributions

* Paid holidays plus PTO

* 401(k) plan & contributions

* Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities

* Charity contributions

* Nationwide career opportunities

We look forward to seeing how your unique skills, background and experiences will inspire our team and help us continue to be the leader we are today.

In 2024, Andersen has set a profit-sharing target of $4,000 per eligible employee, prorated as appropriate. Profit sharing will be paid out in quarterly installments to provide eligible employees with payments throughout the year, with payment amounts tied to quarterly operating profit performance.

Andersen is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Andersen Corporation will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable federal, state and local laws.