Application Engineer - Nonwovens

Position Summary

The Application Engineer is responsible for transforming technical knowledge into value for Owens Corning and our customers. As the primary customer-facing technical resource for key building materials segments within the Nonwovens Business, this role develops a deep understanding of customer manufacturing processes, product requirements, and market trends, translating those insights into product strategies, development opportunities, and growth initiatives.

This position has a strong focus on polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation panel manufacturing and applications, while also supporting customers operating in roofing, gypsum, and other building envelope markets. The Application Engineer partners closely with customers' technical, R&D, quality, and operations teams to support product qualification, process optimization, and commercialization efforts.

The role serves as the voice of the customer, collaborating with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and R&D to drive profitable growth and strengthen Owens Corning's competitive position in North America.

Travel: Approximately 40%

Primary Responsibilities

Customer Technical Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical contact for Nonwovens customers across polyiso insulation, roofing, gypsum, and related building envelope applications.
• Develop a strong understanding of customer manufacturing processes, product requirements (FFUs), and performance expectations.
• Support product qualifications, trials, and commercialization activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturing efficiency, and customer value.

Voice of the Customer

• Capture and communicate customer needs, industry trends, and competitive intelligence to internal stakeholders.
• Partner with commercial teams to develop product and market strategies.
• Collaborate with Operations and R&D to develop and execute product trials and technology improvements.
• Identify common customer requirements and emerging industry trends to guide future product development.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and participate in cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings and customer support.
• Build strong relationships across Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial organizations.
• Document and share customer insights throughout the organization.
• Support Key Account Managers in developing growth strategies within targeted market segments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in building materials, insulation, polyiso, roofing, gypsum, composites, or related industries.

• Experience in customer-facing technical roles and cross-functional project leadership.
• Experience leading product qualifications, plant trials, and customer-driven development projects.

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience with polyiso insulation board manufacturing processes, product development, or technical support.
• Experience with roofing systems, gypsum products, coated materials, facers, laminates, or other building envelope applications.
• Knowledge of coatings, adhesives, nonwoven substrates, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with building codes, insulation standards, and roofing industry requirements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of polyiso insulation manufacturing, roofing systems, and building envelope technologies.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into actionable product and process recommendations.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Proven ability to build relationships with customers and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel routinely and support customer needs across North America.

Ideal Candidate

A customer-focused technical professional with strong experience in polyiso insulation manufacturing or applications, complemented by knowledge of roofing, gypsum, and broader building envelope systems, who can serve as the link between customer needs and Owens Corning's innovation, manufacturing, and commercial capabilities.

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.