Research Engineer/Polymer Processing

Saint-Gobain Research India is looking for an experienced Polymer Processing Engineer with deep expertise in films and sheet extrusion to join our growing R&D and manufacturing organization. Saint-Gobain is a world leader in developing innovative, high-performance solutions through our exceptional experience in materials science and processing. The candidate will take project objectives and transform them into actionable tasks including research of technologies, design and execution of experimentation, analysis of results, and generation of IP and technical reports. The candidate is expected to collaborate effectively with other R&D groups and engineering colleagues within manufacturing Saint-Gobain locations, application engineers and external customers. In addition to the candidate's primary projects, the candidate will be expected to support projects led by others. We are seeking a highly capable Polymer Processing R&D Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of advanced manufacturing processes for films, sheets, and composite building materials. This role bridges R&D and manufacturing, driving process innovation, material development, and commercialization of new products. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in extrusion processes, material formulation, process scale-up, and cross-functional project leadership. This role offers a unique opportunity to be both a hands?on innovator and technical leader. Key Responsibilities • Leverages strong technical expertise in polymer processing, materials science, and process engineering to improve product performance, enhance manufacturability, reduce cost, and support scale?up of new and existing technologies. • Works collaboratively across R&D, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Management, and external partners to advance process development, ensure smooth technology transfer, and support successful commercialization. • Applies structured experimentation, statistical analysis (SPC, DoE), modeling tools, and material characterization techniques to optimize extrusion, coating, lamination, and web?handling processes. • Communicates effectively across technical and business functions, providing clear guidance during plant trials, troubleshooting activities, and continuous improvement initiatives. • Drives projects within the Saint?Gobain Stage?Gate framework, ensuring disciplined execution, comprehensive documentation, and alignment with project deliverables from concept through full-scale implementation. • Promotes a safe and compliant working environment by leading PFMEA activities, adhering to all EHS requirements, and proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen process and workplace safety. Process Development & Optimization • Design, optimize, and validate blown film, cast film, flat?die extrusion, and multilayer co?extrusion processes. • Execute structured studies to improve product quality, throughput, energy efficiency, and yield. • Troubleshoot issues such as die lines, gauge variation, optical defects, and surface imperfections. • Develop robust process control strategies and author operational SOPs. Polymer Materials & Formulation • Work with a wide range of thermoplastics including polyolefins, engineering resins, and specialty polymers. • Develop and evaluate formulations, compounding strategies, and additive packages. • Collaborate with suppliers to evaluate and qualify new resins and additives. • Perform material characterization (rheology, DSC, TGA, mechanical & optical testing). Scale-Up & Manufacturing Support • Lead scale?up from lab/pilot to full production, ensuring process reliability. • Provide on?site technical support during trials, start-ups, and qualification runs. • Work closely with plant teams to troubleshoot and improve processes. • Prepare complete scale?up protocols, risk assessments, and technology transfer documents. Project Management & Collaboration • Manage multiple technical projects with clear timelines and deliverables. • Collaborate across R&D, operations, quality, procurement, and commercial teams. • Prepare clear technical reports and deliver presentations to diverse audiences. • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) from concept to commercialization. Innovation & Continuous Improvement • Identify and integrate emerging processing technologies and advanced materials. • Contribute to IP creation through invention disclosures and patents. • Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a collaborative and safety-driven culture. Qualifications • M.S. in Polymer Engineering, Mechanical / Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience, OR Ph.D. in the same fields with 3+ years of relevant industry experience. Required Technical Expertise • Core: Thermoplastic Processing Technologies • Strong, hands-on experience in film/sheet extrusion (blown film, cast film, flat?die, multilayer co-extrusion). • Experience in barrier films, multilayer structures, specialty films, or industrial/medical/food-grade film products. • Knowledge of ASTM/ISO standards for films and sheets. • Understanding of sustainability and circularity (recyclable structures, biopolymers, downgauging). • Experience with toll compounders, contract manufacturers, multi-site operations. • Solid foundation in polymer sciencerheology, morphology, thermodynamics, structure?property relationships. • Experience with formulation, compounding, and additive selection. • Familiarity with pilot and production-scale extrusion equipment; die/screw design exposure is a plus. • Proficiency with DoE, statistical tools (JMP, Minitab, Python). • Skilled in material characterization: rheometry, DSC, TGA, tensile, optical/surface analysis. • Proven success in scaling technologies from bench to commercial scale. • Proficiency in applying systematic problem-solving methodologies (8D, Fishbone, FMEA) to process-related quality issues. • Hands-on experience with polymer characterization techniques: rheology (capillary & rotational), DSC, TGA, DMA, optical and electron microscopy. Soft Skills • Strong project management and organizational capabilities. • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration. • High initiative, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail. • Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.