R/D Engineer

PPG is hiring a Research and Development Engineer to lead scientific research and development supporting Aerospace Transparencies, Specialty & Transparent Armor. This role guides the investigation and application of advanced inorganic coating technologies for commercial and defense-related aerospace applications, identifying opportunities for innovation, competitive advantage, and patentable inventions. You will be a key technical contributor in developing next-generation technologies, initiating new research programs, and collaborating with teams to provide solutions for internal and external customers, including government agencies and research partners. This onsite role is based in Grand Prairie, TX and reports to an Associate Fellow.

Responsibilities

• Help develop new materials, or substitute materials, and new processes for use in transparency manufacturing and operations
• Remain current on new developments in the appropriate scientific fields
• Analyze materials and processes (if appropriate) regarding product problems and failures
• Coordinate implementation of new materials from development into manufacturing
• Initiate material and application process specifications
• Maintenance, calibration, and repair coordinator production support such as troubleshooting of issues encountered in manufacturing for metallic coatings
• Support in the development of product to meet industrial standards, specifications, and other customer requirements
• Evaluate new processes and products in conformance with engineering specifications
• Address problems with the use of chemistry, instrumentation, and interpret data to management
• Perform quality control testing following established company specifications and ASTM procedures and other accepted methods
• Follow standard operating procedures of lab functions and equipment
• Maintain sensitive technical equipment per written standards and procedures with excellent laboratory practices
• Ensure documentation and data accuracy; maintain a system of quality documents and records
• Write procedures/reports, input data into computer database/SharePoint, maintain a laboratory notebook, and produce test records
• Help with Research, Quality, and Manufacturing support departments
• Work in a laboratory environment while following all applicable EH&S guidelines
• Perform 5S cleaning and housekeeping responsibilities
• Render technical assistance to internal and external customers

Qualifications

• Master's degree in science in physics, materials science, engineering, or a related field
• 1+ year of related job experience in the field
• Must be eligible to obtain a government secret clearance
• Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply

A standout candidate will have any of the following:

• Knowledge in thin film coatings of different conductive materials
• Knowledge of vacuum coatings, chamber components, and PLC
• Experience in materials characterization tools such as SEM, FTIR, Spectrophotometer, and profilometer
• Experience maintaining safety in the lab environment and acquainted with 6S process throughout the factory
• Work with program managers, L&D engineers, and design engineers

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Life insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Disability/Leave
• Family Leave
• Other Voluntary benefit offerings

About Us

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability, and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.

The PPG Way 2030

• We are customer champions: Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast, and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.
• We act with purpose and speed: Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.
• We are excellent operators: Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership, and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.
• We compete to win: Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies, and leverage agility and speed as strengths.
• We are PPG proud: Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity, and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.