Research Engineer - Performance Polymer Solutions

Role Overview Saint-Gobain Research India is hiring a Research Engineer to join its Performance Polymer Solutions R&D team in Chennai. In this role, you will drive innovation in thermoplastic product and process development, with a strong focus on injection molding, mold design, fluoropolymers, and high-performance polymer applications. You will translate project objectives into actionable research tasks, execute experiments, analyse results, and contribute to intellectual property generation, working collaboratively across internal R&D teams, manufacturing sites, and external customers. Key Responsibilities - Design, develop, and optimise thermoplastic formulation and processing methods with primary focus on injection molding and secondary expertise across extrusion, blow molding, and emerging technologies - Define and optimise critical process parameters including melt temperature, injection speed, pack and hold pressure, cooling rate, and shear rate to achieve target part quality - Lead systematic root cause analysis of process-induced defects such as sink marks, warpage, short shots, flash, knit lines, voids, and dimensional non-conformance - Collaborate with tooling teams and external vendors on mold and die design including gate design, runner systems, venting, cooling circuit optimisation, and hot runner integration - Apply fundamental knowledge of thermoplastic chemistry, processing, microstructure, and property relationships to guide material selection and processing strategy - Interpret characterisation data from DSC, rheology, DMA, TGA, microscopy, and mechanical testing and correlate findings with processing outcomes - Author technical reports, experimental protocols, process specifications, and patent disclosures and present findings to internal stakeholders and external partners - Lead DOE studies to characterise process windows and establish formulation-process-property relationships - Coordinate and lead PFMEA reviews for validated and new parts and uphold Saint-Gobain safety, health, and environment policies - Mentor junior engineers and technicians in processing fundamentals and laboratory best practices Required Qualifications - M.S. in Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience, OR Ph.D. in a related field with a minimum of 2 years of industry or post-doctoral experience - Demonstrated hands-on expertise in injection molding process setup, optimisation, and troubleshooting - Strong understanding of mold design principles including gating, runner design, venting, cooling circuits, and shrinkage and warpage compensation - Proven ability to apply systematic problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Fishbone, and FMEA to process-related quality issues - Deep knowledge of engineering thermoplastics including PFA, PE, PP, PA, POM, PEEK, TPEs, and fiber-reinforced grades - Hands-on experience with polymer characterisation techniques including capillary and rotational rheology, DSC, TGA, DMA, and optical and electron microscopy - Proficiency in statistical tools such as Minitab or JMP for DOE, SPC, and regression analysis - Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences Why Join Us Saint-Gobain is a global leader in high-performance materials science with a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. Joining Saint-Gobain Research India means working at the forefront of advanced polymer research in a dynamic, cross-functional environment where your work directly shapes next-generation solutions.

- M.S. or Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering - Minimum 5 years of industry experience (M.S.) or 2 years post-doctoral or industry experience (Ph.D.) - Hands-on injection molding expertise including process setup, optimisation, and troubleshooting - Strong mold design knowledge covering gating, runner systems, venting, and cooling circuits - Experience with root cause analysis methods such as 8D, Fishbone, and FMEA - Proficiency in thermoplastic characterisation techniques including DSC, TGA, DMA, and rheology - Knowledge of engineering thermoplastics including PEEK, PFA, PA, POM, PP, PE, and fiber-reinforced grades - Statistical analysis skills using Minitab, JMP, or equivalent software - Familiarity with extrusion, blow molding, or emerging thermoplastic processing methods - Experience with multi-component injection molding processes such as insert molding or 2K molding is a plus - Knowledge of quality systems such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, or ISO 13485 is preferred - Experience with CAD tools such as CATIA or SolidWorks is an advantage

- Opportunity to work with a global leader in materials science and innovation - Cross-functional collaboration with international R&D teams and manufacturing sites - Exposure to cutting-edge polymer processing research and intellectual property development - Professional growth through mentoring, multi-disciplinary projects, and university collaborations - Safe and inclusive work environment aligned with Saint-Gobain global standards