Senior Research Technician – Superabrasives

Role details

Saint-Gobain Innovation Hub North America is looking for a hands-on Senior Research Technician to support the development, scale-up, and optimization of Superabrasive products and manufacturing processes. Reporting to a Senior Research Engineer II, this role is critical to advancing R&D programs from laboratory concepts to plant implementation.

The successful candidate will work closely with scientists, engineers, manufacturing teams, and external partners to execute experiments, characterize materials, and support product commercialization. + Execute experimental programs related to Superabrasive technologies, including bond systems, abrasive grains, grinding tools, and manufacturing processes. + Prepare materials, operate laboratory equipment, perform testing, and collect high-quality technical data to support research and development projects. + Analyze, document, and communicate experimental results while maintaining accurate laboratory records and databases. + Troubleshoot, maintain, and improve laboratory equipment and testing capabilities while supporting laboratory infrastructure and continuous improvement initiatives. + Support manufacturing trials, process scale-up, technology transfer, and root-cause investigations in collaboration with R&D and operations teams while ensuring compliance with safety and quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

+ Associate degree, or demonstrated equivalent, in an engineering, technical, or science-related field. + 4–7 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, pilot plant, process development, testing, materials characterization, materials processing, or product development environment. + Experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory or manufacturing equipment, collecting experimental data, and following technical procedures. + General laboratory knowledge, including proper chemical handling and safe work practices. + Ability to work effectively in both laboratory and manufacturing environments. + Strong attention to detail when following experimental plans, documenting observations, and maintaining technical records. + Ability to recognize and communicate equipment concerns, process deviations, unexpected results, safety issues, or unclear instructions. + Ability to work independently, solve technical problems, and collaborate effectively with engineers, scientists, and manufacturing teams. + Good written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. + Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word. + Valid driver’s license for business travel.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience with materials processing, thermal processing, powder handling, grinding tools, ceramics, abrasives, or similar manufacturing processes. + Experience collecting, organizing, graphing, and presenting technical data using Microsoft Excel or statistical software. + Experience supporting equipment installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or capital equipment projects. + Experience identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability, laboratory methods, safety practices, or day-to-day processes. + Experience helping train others on laboratory equipment, testing methods, or technical procedures.

Physical & Work Requirements + This is an onsite position that includes work in laboratory and manufacturing environments. + Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform hands-on work involving bending, kneeling, handling equipment, and repetitive motions. + Ability to regularly handle laboratory equipment, tooling, powder containers, furnace fixtures, sample trays, supplies, and equipment components. + Ability to lift, push, or pull approximately 25–50 lbs.

Assistance and appropriate lifting equipment are available for heavier loads. + Comfortable working around laboratory and manufacturing equipment, including power tools and large machinery, while using required safety equipment. + Limited travel may be required to support manufacturing trials, scale-up activities, equipment work, or technology and test-method transfers Certain locations require pay information be provided in job postings. Saint-Gobain aims to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support our employees’ wellbeing and help improve daily life for themselves and their families. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer potential candidates.

Provided is the national pay range for this position which is $53,500 to $82,500 per year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus. The targeted bonus amount is 8% of base salary based on company and individual performance measures. The Total Target Cash range (base pay and annual bonus) for this position, is $57,780 to $89,100. Bonus payments are part of variable compensation and by nature can vary based on company and individual performance and is not a guarantee.

This role may also be eligible to participate in the Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program which is awarded annually at management’s discretion. Saint-Gobain Innovation Hub North America is one of Saint-Gobain's largest industrial research laboratories. The center is home to more than 400 employees working at the leading edge of innovation on multidisciplinary industrial research, preparing the future by designing tomorrow's products and processes across an amazing variety of markets and technical disciplines. Since 1985, SGR North America has been supporting existing businesses, developing future businesses, and nurturing talent.

Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the wellbeing of each of us and the future of all. They can be found everywhere in our living places and our daily life: in buildings, transportation, infrastructure and in many industrial applications. They provide comfort, performance and safety while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and climate change.

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.

Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at [email protected] . Saint-Gobain is committed to helping you and your family _be well_ in all aspects of your life. Be Well. Be You brings together inclusive programs and meaningful resources to support all aspects of your physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being.

Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs. + Health and Well-being – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work. + Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance + Healthcare Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account options + LiveWell Wellness Program + Employee Assistance Program (EAP) + Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave Retirement and Protection - Helping to make the future life you want a reality. + 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP) Cash Balance Pension Plan + Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability + Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness and + Accident Insurance + Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want + Group Legal + Identity Theft Protection + Auto and Home Insurance + Pet Insurance and Discounts + Back-up Child and Elder Care + PerkSpot Employee Discount Program + Volunteer Day