Senior Scientist

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.