PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The Pilot Line Engineer/Scientist actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam
technologies, which can be implemented to grow our foam markets domestically and internationally as well
as support our existing production facilities with cost effective developmental improvements to lower
operating costs and increase yields. This role provides technical support for foam processing by performing
diverse skilled tasks in the areas of pilot line foam extrusion, maintenance, and inventory. This individual
operates the equipment that is used to produce the highly complex processes that create low density XPS
foam. In addition, the role provides fundamental support such as material shipping and receiving for the
Tallmadge Science and Technology site.
Reports to: Tallmadge S&T Lab Leader
Span of Control: Individual Contributor with room to grow
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Living Safely
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Implements a personal safety action plan and reviews with leader
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Regularly participates in monthly safety meetings
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Ensures rigorous compliance to safety procedures and OC corporate policies
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Focuses on sustaining a safe work environment for self and coworkers
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Translates work safety knowledge to personal/home.
Leads Pilot Line Equipment Operation & Reliability
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Leads the safe, reliable operation of pilot line foam extrusion equipment, ensuring high equipment uptime and consistent trial execution.
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Owns day-to-day equipment health for the pilot line, including proactive inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of extrusion, vacuum, blowing agent, and downstream handling systems.
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Diagnoses equipment and process issues during trials, rapidly restoring stable operation while minimizing downtime and sample loss.
- Partners with formulators and pilot line team members to translate experimental requirements into robust, repeatable operating conditions.
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Executes and supports foam extrusion trials by operating the twin-screw extruder and associated systems, including start-up, changeover, shutdown, and recovery from upset conditions.
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Leads and performs preventive and corrective maintenance activities; coordinates repairs and continuously improves equipment reliability and operating practices.
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Ensures experimental foam boards are produced safely, consistently, and to defined quality expectations, including cutting, handling, stacking, and documentation.
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Maintains accurate records of operating conditions, equipment performance, issues, and corrective actions using pilot line workflow tools and software.
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Manages pilot line materials, inventory, and logistics, including safe handling, shipping, and receiving of raw materials and blowing agents.
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Models strong safety ownership by rigorously following procedures, identifying hazards, and reinforcing safe work practices during all pilot line activities.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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Demonstrated ability to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot complex industrial or laboratory equipment in a hands-on environment.
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Strong ownership mindset for equipment reliability, uptime, and safe operation; proactively identifies issues and takes action to prevent unplanned downtime.
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Proven problem-solving capability, with the ability to diagnose mechanical and process-related issues and work through them methodically under time pressure.
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Consistent focus on working safely, following procedures, and reinforcing a strong safety culture for self and others.
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Ability to learn new processes, equipment, and control systems quickly and apply that learning effectively in day-to-day operations.
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Demonstrated reliability and accountability—follows through on commitments, completes work to expectations, and communicates issues early and clearly.
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Comfortable working in a dynamic, trial-driven environment where priorities may shift and experimentation is frequent.
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Effective written and verbal communication skills, including documenting operating conditions, issues, and corrective actions.
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Proficiency employing typical productivity software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
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Willingness and ability to perform hands-on work, including equipment operation, maintenance activities, and material handling in a pilot plant setting.
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Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and performing tool changes during maintenance and repairs. Hands-on aptitude and flexibility to work in service group supporting changing needs of formulators.
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Ability to lift up-to 45 pounds
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Basic knowledge of hand tools.
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Basic knowledge of fasteners.
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10% travel required
PREFERED EXPERIENCE:
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Working in environments with equipment, chemical handling, or process safety requirements.
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Exposure to SOPs, JHAs, or safe work permitting processes.
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Supporting or maintaining industrial, pilot, or laboratory equipment.
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Preventive or corrective maintenance activities that support equipment uptime. · Working in experimental, pilot, or development settings.
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Collaborating with engineers, scientists, or technical teams to support trials or development work.
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Exposure to extrusion, foam processing, or continuous manufacturing equipment.
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Familiarity with HMIs, data logging, or production systems is a plus.
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Thorough understanding of the relationships between pressure/temperature/extruder screw speed/solids rate/vacuum levels and the effects that each has on the foam process.
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Ability to pay attention to details and sometimes perform repetitive work.
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Basic working knowledge of liquid blowing agent stands, gas/liquid CO2 stands, vacuum systems, feeder systems, foam die and shaping systems, and heating/cooling water and oil systems.
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Working knowledge of HMI (Human Machine Interface) software such as Wonderware InTouch to run the extruder is desirable.
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Experience working with spreadsheets and databases.
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Experience working with SAP Experience writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
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Customer Driven: Always honors promises and treats customers the way they deserve to be treated, provides quality results in the most expedient manner to external and internal customers. Provide technical support in form of written and oral communication and be the “eyes and ears” of the formulators while producing their experimental samples. And provide relevant feedback.
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Teamwork Oriented: Self-starter who works with minimal supervision that balances multiple assignments; works effectively with the lab team, customers, other Innovation groups.
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Adaptability: Ability to respond quickly to the demands of the moment. A flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work pull in many different directions at once. Maintaining effectiveness in a variety of environments.
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Accountability: Knows what needs to be done and gets it done. Willingly takes responsibility for project outcomes as a whole; unafraid of owning the results, actions and decisions of self or organization. Committed to follow through to completion.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ – including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position – to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC). For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.
