Material Scientist - Research & Development Job

Primary location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 
Relocation offered: No 
Employment status: Full-Time 
Travel: <10% 
Non-compete: No 

The estimated base salary range for this role is “$98,000 to $120,000” per year.  
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors

​What does it mean to work at Armstrong?

It means being immersed in a supportive culture that recognizes you as a key player in Armstrong's future. We are a large company with a local feel, where you will get to know and collaborate with leadership and your colleagues across the company.

By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to make the most of your potential. Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you will receive:

A benefits package including: medical, dental, prescription drug, life insurance, 401k match, long-term disability coverage, vacation and sick time, product discount programs and many more.
Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests.
A casual work environment where we have a recognition program for our team, and service awards. You will also be able to make the most of our fitness center and lunchtime cafe. 
A working culture that balances individual achievement with teamwork and collaboration. We draw on each other's strengths and allow for different work styles to build engagement and satisfaction to deliver results. 
​

Located at the Armstrong World Industries headquarters in Lancaster, PA, the Material Scientist – Research & Development will be responsible for leading innovative projects relating to material science and technology with a focus on energy saving solutions. This individual will lead the exploration and development of cutting-edge phase change materials (PCMs) that incorporate thermal management and energy storage solutions in building products. This includes optimizing the efficiency of existing materials, evaluating new and alternative materials, and integrating solutions into new products and applications. A strong technical background in material science is essential for success in this role. This role collaborates closely with various teams within the AWI organization, including Engineering, New Product Development, Procurement, Quality, and the Operations teams. This position reports directly to the R&D Manager - Coatings Science.

What’s in it for you!

• Be a trusted partner to the business
• Networking and Relationship Building
• Ability to be innovative and strategic
• Working on site at our beautiful Lancaster campus
• Collaboration and an open friendly team environment.

What you will do

• Material Formulation and Development: Lead the research and development of energy saving solutions for application within ceilings, walls, and exterior building products. Optimize formulations by assessing factors such as sustainability, thermal efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Material Characterization: Utilize advanced analytical techniques to evaluate and optimize individual materials and composites.
• Product Testing: Design and conduct experiments to assess the performance of products under various conditions, analyzing data to make recommendations for product improvement.
• Market Research: Stay current with industry trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies to identify novel materials and bring new energy savings ideas to the organization.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all materials meet health, safety, and environmental codes, regulations, and standards.
• Project Management: Manage research projects from conception to completion, including budgeting, resourcing, timeline management, and reporting.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of research and results and communicate findings through technical reports and presentations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, New Product Development, Procurement, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure successful integration of coatings into AWI’s plants and product lines.
• Demonstrate safety leadership by incorporating AWI’s safety tools into daily work with the goal of an injury free workplace.
• Achieve high standards of 5S & housekeeping in personal and shared workspaces to minimize risks & maximize efficiency.
• Comply to all company EHS and regulatory standards.
• Sustain environmental compliance

What will make you successful

• Master’s in Material Science or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a research and development role with a focus on material science.
• Proficient understanding of material science (both organic and inorganic) with the ability to apply basic principles to complex product development.
• Experience with sustainable materials research and application.
• In-depth knowledge of phase change materials with the ability to formulate and manipulate the performance of composite materials based on product design specifications.
• Experience with the testing and analysis used to evaluate material performance in the areas of thermal energy storage and efficiency.
• Exceptional presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated with an innovative mindset and a passion for bringing new ideas into the organization and driving technological advancements.

What will make you stand out

• PhD in Material Science or related field
• Experience working with or for a manufacturing company, preferably in the building products industry.
• Knowledge of ASTM codes and standards, especially energy efficiency of buildings.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals or patents related to material science.
• Experience with project management, preferably Agile, to efficiently lead and execute research projects.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior scientists, technicians, and research teams.
• Membership in relevant professional organizations or associations.

Why should you join Armstrong World Industries?

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is a leader in the design and manufacture of innovative commercial and residential ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions in the Americas. With approximately $1B in revenue, AWI has about 2,800 employees and a manufacturing network of fifteen facilities in North America.

At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.

For more than 150 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.

We are committed to developing new and sustainable ceiling solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.

Our Sustainability Ambition

"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:

• Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
• Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
• Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
• Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
• Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.

About the location (Lancaster PA)

Lancaster, PA. A great central location in South Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster is ideally situated for easy access to major metropolitan cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York City. Lancaster offers a vibrant arts and entertainment community with wonderful historic sites, B&Bs, museums, great shopping, entertainment venues and restaurants.

Armstrong is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce.  As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at AWI talent acquisition and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Come and build your future with us and apply today!