Global Technology Scientist - Strategic Innovation

The Global Technology Scientist – Strategic Innovation is part of the Global Strategic Innovation team within the Nonwovens Science & Technology organization. This role delivers early‑stage concept development, experimentation, and technical learning for next‑generation nonwoven technologies that support global innovation strategy and new business development.

This position plays a key role in identifying and validating new market opportunities, developing prototypes and novel material solutions, and enabling science‑based insights that clarify where nonwovens can create new value. The role requires strong product development expertise, technical curiosity, disciplined experimentation, and the ability to integrate market and technology understanding into actionable innovation pathways.

At Owens Corning it’s our people that make the difference. We foster an inclusive environment where all Owens Corning employees are heard and appreciated for the value each distinct voice brings to the team. Each employee has the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, learn from one another and maximize the potential of a global workplace.

Join an organization that believes that every employee owns a piece of our bold growth goals and ultimate success. We are a market-leading innovator that has placed on the Fortune 500®. Owens Corning is devoted to delivering sustainable solutions across our three business segments while striving to ensure our people and products make the world a better place. We take pride in having an inclusive and diverse workplace with employees around the globe.  A holistic sense of community exists across our entire organization as our talent grows globally. We are a company that fully recognizes the importance of paving a path to a sustainable and safe enterprise through investing in our people. Our desire to make an impactful difference in the world flows from top down to all levels of the organization. By being a company that instills pride within each and every employee, we aspire to build market-leading businesses; global in scope - human in scale.

Reports to:  Global Strategic Innovation Leader

Commitment to Safety

• Demonstrates that all accidents are preventable and safety is a shared responsibility.
• Identifies and mitigates potential hazards through Design Hazard Eliminations (DHEs).
• Ensures full compliance with Owens Corning safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Actively participates in safety reviews, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

New Technology Development

• Conceives, develops, and validates novel nonwoven material, binder, coating, or composite technologies aligned with global innovation priorities.
• Designs and executes hypothesis‑based learning plans using disciplined experimentation and technical curiosity.
• Develops new test methods, mimics, prototypes, and characterization techniques to accelerate learning cycles.
• Documents technical findings in clear, concise technical reports, invention disclosures, and knowledge‑sharing forums.

New Business Development & Market Exploration

• Partners with Strategic Marketing and New Business Development to identify unmet needs, whitespace opportunities, and new application spaces.
• Conducts early‑stage market and technology feasibility assessments to determine where nonwovens can create differentiated value.
• Translates insights into concepts, prototypes, and technical demonstrations that support business case development.
• Contributes to value proposition development and communicates recommendations to R&D and business leadership.

Capability Building & External Collaboration

• Builds new technical capabilities through method development, lab infrastructure improvements, and digital tool integration.
• Collaborates with universities, startups, consortia, and suppliers to identify emerging technologies and accelerate capability growth.
• Shares technical learnings broadly across global teams and supports knowledge management efforts.

Process Development & Scale‑Up Support

• Partners with process engineering, operations, and pilot line teams to transition concepts from lab to pilot to manufacturing.
• Supports process learning, modeling, and analytical data interpretation to drive robust scale‑up.
• Applies data‑driven approaches to evaluate technical risk, optimize performance, and validate manufacturability.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Manages projects using Stage‑Gate, VelOCity, or similar innovation frameworks.
• Communicates milestones, risks, and insights clearly to project stakeholders.
• Ensures structured project planning, documentation, and risk mitigation.
• Demonstrates strong ownership and follow‑through to deliver high‑quality results.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in R&D with a focus on product development, material formulation, or process development.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and communicate results.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Experience

• Background in nonwovens, coatings, adhesives, binders, polymer systems, or composites.
• Experience developing test methods, mimics, or new technical capabilities.
• Strong quantitative and data‑analytics skills.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong technical problem‑solving and hypothesis‑driven experimental design skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including technical documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and operate effectively in ambiguity.
• High degree of initiative, curiosity, and ownership.
• Ability to translate customer needs into technical requirements and solutions.
• Creative and strategic thinker with strong business acumen.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Growth mindset with passion for innovation and continuous learning.
• Customer‑oriented, results‑focused, and accountable.
• Collaborative with strong interpersonal skills and inclusive mindset.
• Adaptable and resilient in fast‑moving environments.

About Owens Corning  

Owens Corning is a residential and commercial building products leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. Our products provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique capabilities and market-leading positions to help our customers win and grow. We are global in scope, human in scale with more than 25,000 employees in 31 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders and making a difference in the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2024 sales of $11.0 billion. 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.