R&D Research Engineer

The Research and Development Engineer will lead the development of advanced research programs supporting PPG Aerospace Transparencies, Specialty Products, and Transparent Armor technologies. You will investigate and apply inorganic coating technologies, driving product development, and developing patentable solutions that create competitive advantages. You will work with Science & Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams, you will translate research concepts into production-ready technologies while providing technical leadership for complex projects and growth projects. You will include collaboration with customers, government agencies, and research partners, and technical communications, product development reviews, and continuous improvement efforts related to safety and quality. You will help grow next-generation aerospace technologies and delivering new solutions to the industry.

You will sit at our Huntsville, AL site and will report to an Associate Fellow.

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible is assisting in the development of new materials, or substitute materials, and new processes for use in transparency manufacturing and operations.
• Remain current on new developments in the appropriate scientific fields.
• Analyze materials and processes (if appropriate) regarding product problems and failures.
• Coordinate implementation of new materials from development into manufacturing.
• Initiate material and application process specifications.
• Maintenance, calibration, and repair coordinator.
• Production support such as trouble shooting of issues encountered in manufacturing for metallic coatings.
• Support in the development of product to meet industrial standards, specifications, and other customer requirements.
• Evaluate new processes and products in conformance with engineering specifications.
• Address problems with the use of chemistry, instrumentation, and interpret data to management.
• Perform quality control testing following established company specifications and American Society for Testing and Materials procedures and other accepted methods.
• Follow standard operating procedures of lab functions and equipment.
• Maintain sensitive technical equipment per written standards and procedures with excellent laboratory practices.
• Ensure documentation and data accuracy; maintain a system of quality documents, and records.
• Write procedures/reports, input data into computer database/SharePoint, maintain a laboratory notebook, and create test records.
• Help with Research, Quality, and Manufacturing support responsibilities.
• Work in a laboratory environment while following all applicable EH&S guidelines.
• Perform 5S cleaning and housekeeping tasks.
• Render technical assistance to internal and external Customers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field desirable OR
• You will have a Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, or Engineering and 1+ years of relevant industry or research experience required
• Knowledge in thin film coatings of different conductive materials
• Knowledge of vacuum coatings, chamber components and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
• Experience in materials characterization tools such as SEM, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Spectrophotometer and profilometer
• Familiarity with Python and Office Suite
• Experience maintaining safety in the lab. Environment and acquainted with 6S process throughout the factory
• Work with program managers, L&D engineers and design engineers.
• Must be eligible to obtain a government secret clearance.
• Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply.

#LI-Onsite
PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, Family Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.
 

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD® 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [email protected]. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.