The Role
Lead research and development projects for paint protection and window films from concept through commercialization. Conduct manufacturing trials, qualification testing, scale-up, process improvement, and data-driven experimentation. Define project scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables while coordinating interdisciplinary teams, vendors, and manufacturers. Apply polymer science expertise to adhesives, coatings, polyurethane, TPU, optical coatings, and flexible film production.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary:
XPEL is seeking a Research and Development Engineer. The R&D Engineer will lead and oversee product development projects in the areas of paint protection and window films for automotive and architectural applications.Core Duties
- Conduct manufacturing trials and relevant qualification tests for new product developments and improvements
- Define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders. Create project plans and timelines.
- Estimate resource requirements, assign tasks to team members, and manage third-party vendors. Establish and track the project budget to minimize cost overruns.
- Oversee daily progress and coordinate internal workflows of each project. Monitor project performance using KPIs and project management tools.
- Stay current with emerging adhesive, coatings and polymer science to continuously advance company capabilities.
- Bridge the gap from bench scale testing to industrial manufacturing processes by taking a lead role in the scale up process
- Serve as technical interface to vendors and manufacturers
- Continue to improve upon existing process and product through research and development in the specific area of responsibility
- Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications
- B.S or Master's in chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 8+ industrial experience
- Proficient in both English and Chinese (written and spoken)
- Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams to drive product development projects from concept to production/commercialization
- Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision-making ability
- Strong understanding of design of experiments and corresponding data analysis
Desired Qualifications
- Strong background in polymer science, roll-to-roll coating, laminating, extrusion or converting of films, coated materials or other flexible substrates.
- Demonstrated experience in polyurethane systems, TPU, or optical coatings preferred.
- Hands-on expertise with spectrophotometry, colorimetry, haze measurement, and gloss testing.
- Familiarity with UV stabilizers, antioxidants, and optical brighteners for polymer systems.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Proven record of innovation, IP contribution, and technical leadership
XPEL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field
- 8+ years of industrial experience
- Proficiency in written and spoken English and Chinese
- Experience leading product development projects from concept through production or commercialization
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams
- Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision-making abilities
- Strong understanding of design of experiments and corresponding data analysis
- Background in polymer science, roll-to-roll coating, laminating, extrusion, converting of films, coated materials, or flexible substrates
- Experience with polyurethane systems, TPU, or optical coatings
- Hands-on expertise with spectrophotometry, colorimetry, haze measurement, and gloss testing
- Familiarity with UV stabilizers, antioxidants, and optical brighteners for polymer systems
- Record of innovation, intellectual property contribution, and technical leadership
XPEL, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about XPEL, Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by XPEL, Inc..
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision plans are in place through established carriers, with additional coverage such as life insurance and short- and long‑term disability identified in plan filings. Carrier quality and the breadth of included protections indicate a robust healthcare offering.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan with company matching contributions is broadly available and highlighted as part of total rewards. Employer materials consistently reference matching contributions as a standard element of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off provisions are referenced as roughly three weeks of PTO for certain roles alongside a typical paid holiday schedule. These signals point to a competitive baseline for paid time away.
XPEL, Inc. Insights
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The Company
What We Do
XPEL is a global provider of protective films, coatings, and related services for automotive, watercraft, home, and office applications. Its offerings include paint protection film, window tint, surface-protection film, ceramic coatings, and interior-preservation products. The company also supports customers through installation services, trained installers, technical assistance, and proprietary software designed to help deliver high-quality protection solutions for customers across multiple consumer and commercial settings worldwide.
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