What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Scientist position at Original Composites and Fibers?
About Us
Original Composites and Fibers is a global leader in glass reinforcement solutions for the composites industry. Recently separated from Owens Corning, we now operate independently under the Praana ownership model, continuing a strong legacy of innovation, manufacturing excellence, and customer partnership.
With more than 4,000 employees worldwide, we are committed to redefining what’s possible through a performance-driven culture centered on safety, quality, sustainability, inclusiveness, and employee development. Guided by our values of passion, ownership, and team spirit, we work together to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service across the globe.
About the Role
The Senior Scientist – Composites Chemistry & Product Innovation is a hands-on R&D leadership role focused on developing fiber sizing and coating chemistries that enhance composite performance, durability, and manufacturability. Working in a structured Stage-Gate innovation environment, this role drives ideas from early concept through commercialization, partnering across R&D, manufacturing, sourcing, quality, and marketing to deliver industrialized solutions for global markets including wind energy, automotive, construction, and infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation & Product Development
Lead design, synthesis, and optimization of fiber sizing and coating chemistries for thermoset and thermoplastic systems
Establish structure–property relationships using surface, mechanical, and physicochemical characterization techniques
Design and execute experimental plans (DOE, statistical analysis, data-driven decision making)
Structured Execution & Stage-Gate Leadership
Lead innovation projects through Stage-Gate process from ideation to commercialization
Translate scientific findings into scalable, manufacturable solutions with process engineering partners
Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies and alternative pathways
Project & Stakeholder Management
Lead technical workstreams including scope, timelines, resources, and priorities
Partner with R&D, manufacturing, sourcing, quality, and marketing teams
Drive resolution of technical and organizational challenges to ensure project progress
Technical Influence & Knowledge Sharing
Serve as a technical expert in composites chemistry and glass reinforcement systems
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation of findings
Engage with customers and represent the organization in technical forums and conferences as needed
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field
5 years of industrial R&D experience in composites, polymers, or advanced materials
Demonstrated experience in product development and commercialization
Skills & Abilities
Strong experience with structured innovation and experimental design (DOE)
Data-driven decision-making and statistical analysis capability
Proven ability to lead complex technical projects end-to-end
Ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Comfortable working in global, cross-functional environments
Willingness to travel up to 30%
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
HSA with company contribution
Health & Dependent Care FSAs
401(k): 100% match up to 6% 2% company contribution
Company-paid life and disability coverage
Voluntary benefits (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity protection, supplemental life)
Paid time off & holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Wellness incentives
Equal Opportunity Employer
OCF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.