Technical Lead - R&D (Bonded Abrasives)

Job Highlights

• B.Tech/M.Tech in Polymer Science or related fields with hands-on experience in thermoset polymers and formulation development
• Lead R&D projects, conduct formulation and scale-up trials, design experiments using DOE/statistical tools
• Collaborate cross-functionally for product industrialization and cost reduction

Job Description

We are looking for a dynamic and hands-on Research Engineer to join our R&D team at Saint-Gobain Abrasives in Mora. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in polymer science and have prior experience in product or process development, preferably in an industrial setting. The candidate will contribute to the design, development, and industrialization of new and improved products, with a focus on Bonded Abrasives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Formulation Development

Conduct formulation development and evaluation of resin systems (e.g., PF, epoxy) for abrasive applications.

2. Project Leadership

Lead R&D projects for new product development; collaborate effectively with R&D colleagues, product managers/engineers, application engineers and external customers following structured methodologies.

3. Scale-up Trials

Execute and support lab-scale to plant-scale trials for new product and process development.

4. Experimental Design & Analysis

Design and conduct experiments using DOE/statistical tools to optimize formulations and processes. Analyze test data, interpret results, and prepare technical reports/documentation.

5. Cross-functional Collaboration

Communicate technically with people from a wide range of backgrounds and utilize knowledge to advance projects and identify productive synergies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including production, quality, and marketing to support product industrialization.

6. Sustainability & Cost Reduction

Support sustainability and cost-reduction initiatives by identifying alternate raw materials or process routes. Maintain lab safety, data integrity, and adherence to ISO/quality systems.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• B.Tech/M.Tech in Polymer Science/Polymer Engineering/Materials Science/Chemical Engineering.
• 0-2 years of experience in R&D, product development, or formulation science, preferably in resins, coatings, composites, or abrasives.
• Hands-on experience with thermoset polymers, preferably phenolic or epoxy-based systems.
• Exposure to materials characterization techniques (e.g., TGA, DSC, FTIR, Rheology) is a plus.
• Hands-on understanding of scale-up and industrialization challenges.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge in literature surveys and IP search is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication and ability to collaborate effectively in a matrix structure with people from a wide range of backgrounds including business, manufacturing, research, engineering, marketing, process technicians, and operators.
• Proficiency in MS Office and basic statistical tools.

Desirable Attributes

• Innovation mindset with a problem-solving approach
• Eagerness to work in a plant-based R&D setup
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally
• Familiarity with abrasives industry or materials processing is a plus.

Travel

Up to 30% travel is expected for customer visits (for product trials, product development, etc.) and research center.

About Saint Gobain

Saint-Gobain is a global leader in sustainable construction and high-performance materials. With operations in over 70 countries, the company designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the wellbeing of each of us and the future of all.

Why Join Saint Gobain?

• ✅ Global leader with 3.8+ rating on Glassdoor
• ✅ Work on cutting-edge polymer research
• ✅ Collaborative and innovative work environment
• ✅ Opportunity to work on sustainability initiatives
• ✅ Career growth opportunities across global operations

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