Research & Development Engineer at Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. in Durham, NC

This position is responsible for the development of products and processes that will enable Cornerstone Building Brands (CBB) to lead the industry and create a sustainable advantage for the company.The R&D Engineer will research, identify and apply technologies to the development of new products and processes; or the improvement of existing products and processes for both residential and commercial building products.The primary focus is on the development of next generation products from which CBB can maintain an industry leading position in existing markets and enter new markets.This position will interface with R&D, testing, CBB business units, marketing and sales, in a team setting, to develop new products and processes.Areas of emphasis include:

• Identification, development, testing, evaluation and scale-up support of new products consisting of either incremental (existing product improvements) or transformational (disruptive) technologies.
• Identification and successful incorporation of new materials, processes or other technology into next generation products to create a competitive advantage for CBB.
• Evaluation and analysis of competitive products and technology including the assessment of prior-art and intellectual property.
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RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interface with CBB’s R&D personnel, business units, vendors and industry partners to identify products, materials, processes and technologies that, when incorporated into the company’s product portfolio, will have a positive and significant impact on long term financial growth.
• Apply R&D skills to improve existing products and processes and to conceptualize, develop, test, evaluate and launch next generation products and processes selected by management to improve the company’s market share and financial standing.
• Research materials, processes and products to identify technologies for the improvement of existing products or the development of new products.
• Design and prototype products, processes and equipment to meet product performance criteria.
• Early stage review with patent attorneys to understand the existing product IP landscape so to create products that avoid patent infringement and allow CBB to patent new technologies.
• Develop, build, retrofit and repair equipment used to prototype or test products and processes.

REQUIREMENTS

• BS in Engineering (Mechanical or Chemical preferred)
• Advanced engineering degree preferred.
• Strong understanding of material science and mechatronics.
• 5+ years product design experience.
• Experience in product development, concept design, rapid prototyping and scale-up.
• Multi-industry experience and knowledge of residential and commercial building products is a plus.
• The ideal candidate will have extrusion experience.
• Rapid prototyping and machining background.
• Good mechanical, electromechanical and 3D spatial aptitude.
• Understanding of material properties and material interactions.
• Familiar with manufacturing equipment, techniques and processes related to extrusion and compression molding.
• General knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques.
• Basic chemistry and thermal knowledge.
• Software proficiency including CAD and FEA.DAQ software and hardware is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Excellent organization and follow-through.Ability to meet deadlines and to make things happen.
• Easily and quickly understands new concepts.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptable to a changing environment.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with product patents.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial building products is a plus.
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