Senior Research Technician - ENC
About the role
Saint Gobain is seeking an experienced Senior Research Technician to join our ENC team. The Senior Research Technician provides advanced technical support for the development, characterization, testing, and validation of polymer, composite, and engineered component technologies within the PPS-Engineered Components team. This role partners closely with scientists, engineers, manufacturing, and quality teams to execute experimental programs, develop and optimize test methods, maintain laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, and generate high-quality technical data. The position acts as a subject matter resource for laboratory operations, troubleshooting, and testing methodologies while mentoring junior technicians and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The role contributes directly to product development, process improvement, technology transfer, and customer-driven innovation programs.
Responsibilities
- Execute laboratory, tribology, mechanical, thermal, and engineered component testing programs; prepare samples, run experiments, collect and analyze data, and support product development projects.
- Design, fabricate, modify, and assemble test fixtures, prototypes, tooling, and experimental hardware using CAD software, machining equipment, and workshop tools.
- Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and improve laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, ensuring reliability, safety, and compliance.
- Analyze data, prepare technical reports, maintain laboratory records, and support documentation of project results and test methods.
- Support prototype fabrication, process development, technology transfer, manufacturing trials, and customer-related technical testing requests.
- Lead laboratory operational excellence activities including safety, preventive maintenance, inventory management, and continuous improvement initiatives while mentoring junior technicians.
Qualifications
- Associates degree in an engineering, technical, or science related field (or demonstrated equivalent) with 4-7 years of experience.
- Hands-on experience in R&D laboratory operations, materials testing, prototype fabrication, machining, CAD design, fixture development, and maintenance/troubleshooting of laboratory and pilot-scale equipment.
Required Skills
- Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent) for design of fixtures, tooling, and prototype components.
- Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and engineering drawings.
- Experience creating technical drawings, engineering sketches, and fabrication documentation.
- Experience operating manual machine shop equipment including lathe, milling machine, drill press, band saw, and surface grinder.
- Ability to fabricate and modify metal, polymer, and composite test fixtures and prototype components.
- Experience with measurement and inspection tools including calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, and CMMs preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing (3D printing) and rapid prototyping techniques preferred.
Physical Work Requirements
- Pushing, pulling, lifting, and transporting up to 50lbs.
About Us
Saint-Gobain Innovation Hub North America is one of Saint-Gobain's largest industrial research laboratories. The center is home to more than 400 employees working at the leading edge of innovation on multidisciplinary industrial research, preparing the future by designing tomorrow's products and processes across an amazing variety of markets and technical disciplines. Since 1985, Saint-Gobain Innovation Hub North America has been supporting existing businesses, developing future businesses, and nurturing talent. Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the wellbeing of each of us and the future of all. They can be found everywhere in our living places and our daily life: in buildings, transportation, infrastructure and in many industrial applications. They provide comfort, performance and safety while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and climate change.
Pay
- National pay range: $53,500 to $82,500 per year.
- Eligible for an annual bonus targeted at 8% of base salary based on company and individual performance measures.
- Total Target Cash range (base pay and annual bonus): $57,780 to $89,100.
- Bonus payments are part of variable compensation and by nature can vary based on company and individual performance and is not a guarantee.
Benefits
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
- Healthcare Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
- LiveWell Wellness Program.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave.
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP) Cash Balance Pension Plan.
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability.
- Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance.
- Group Legal.
- Identity Theft Protection.
- Auto and Home Insurance.
- Pet Insurance and Discounts.
- Back-up Child and Elder Care.
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program.
- Volunteer Day.
- One pair of company-issued steel-toe shoes, and safety glasses; annually.