SUMMARY PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Staff Engineer acts as a recognized authority in materials and their application to Pella Brand products. They will lead enterprise-scale engineering projects and advancing critical material technologies and innovations. This role ensures solutions are delivered with business impact, establishes engineering standards, and influences senior leadership decisions. The Senior Staff Engineer is hands-on in solving complex problems while also driving alignment of engineering priorities across the enterprise. The scope of influence of this position spans manufacturing, engineering, product and process development, material and equipment vendors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Technology Scouting & Evaluation:
Lead the identification and assessment of emerging material technologies within the industry. Maintain a forward-looking perspective on trends, breakthroughs, and competitive advancements in materials science.
Application Design & Integration:
Design and develop applications for new materials in Pella products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment with business objectives.
Value Creation:
Seek out and champion opportunities to leverage advanced materials that decrease cost, enhance product performance, or increase customer value across the enterprise.
Innovation & Collaboration:
Partner with Innovation, Research, and Product Development teams to commercialize new material solutions. Influence strategic decisions that impact material selection, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness.
Technical Stewardship:
Establish and maintain standards for material performance, testing, and documentation. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and reinforce Pella’s reputation for quality and innovation.
Supervisory responsibilities:
No direct reports, however, may direct activity for 1-3 Laboratory Technicians and/or Engineers on a project basis
QUALIFICATIONS
BS in Materials Engineering or Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related field; MS strongly preferred.
7-12 years of multi-discipline engineering experience.
Proven ability to influence technical direction and senior stakeholders.
Expertise in project management and systems integration.
Recognized as a subject matter expert in materials and product design domains.
Strong collaboration skills are necessary when prioritizing, planning, implementing and commercializing innovations. The position is expected to understand and apply safe practices in line with Pella’s safety policies.
TECHNICAL / FUNCTIONAL SKILLS:
Familiarity with material standards and ability to develop test methods where current standards are inadequate. Skill to conduct effective technical research in the advancement of current and new technologies. Understanding of supplier capabilities in:
Thermoplastic extrusions
Thermoset pultrusion
Plastic injection molding
Sealants, adhesives, and chemical additives
Coatings – paint, corrosion protection, etc.
Work hours:
Normal + irregular hours/shifts required
Travel expectations:
Moderate; travel to other sites and divisions is required and varies based upon business needs
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
Open job postingAbout the company
Pella Corporation is a manufacturer of windows and doors. They offer a wide range of products for residential and commercial applications, focusing on energy efficiency and customization.