Research Engineer - Aerospace Transparencies

Research Engineer - Aerospace Transparencies

PPG Industries

Sylmar California

About PPG Aerospace Transparencies

PPG Aerospace Transparencies is a global leader in designing and manufacturing aircraft windshields, windscreens, canopies, windows, electrochromic panels, and lenses for commercial, regional, military, and general aviation segments. Our cutting-edge technologies, including advanced coatings, lightweight materials, and innovative heating systems, revolutionize transparency performance, durability, and service life. Join our team to drive breakthroughs in aerospace materials and contribute to industry-leading solutions.

As a Research Engineer, you will lead innovative research and development (R&D) projects to advance PPG Aerospace's transparencies and transparent armor technologies. You will spearhead the development of novel inorganic coatings, collaborate across Science & Technology (S&T), design, and production teams, and drive the transition of new technologies into manufacturing. This role offers the opportunity to create patentable technologies, solve complex coating challenges, and contribute to PPG's organic growth strategies, including cross-business unit initiatives and government-funded research.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Innovation: Initiate and manage R&D projects focused on inorganic coatings for aerospace transparencies, exploring new materials, processes, and applications to drive industry breakthroughs.

• Technology Development: Develop and evaluate advanced thin film coatings (e.g., conductive metal/metal oxides via sputtering) to meet performance, weight, and durability requirements.

• Production Support: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot coating issues, implement new materials/processes, and ensure seamless integration from R&D to production.

• Technical Leadership: Lead PPG's Product Development Team (PDT) during technical and management gate reviews, providing strategic direction and mentoring junior team members.

• Material Characterization: Utilize tools such as SEM, FTIR, spectrophotometer, and profilometer to analyze materials and resolve product performance challenges.

• Documentation & Communication: Deliver compelling technical presentations, write research papers, and prepare proposals for internal and external stakeholders (e.g., government CRADAs, joint research programs).

• Quality & Safety: Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards, maintain laboratory equipment, and uphold 5S/6S housekeeping practices.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to safety, quality, and value improvement initiatives, including manufacturing planning and IT strategy.

Job Qualifications

Education

• PhD (preferred) or MS in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in thin film coatings or materials development.

Required Experience & Skills

• Expertise in thin film coatings, particularly conductive metal/metal oxides via sputtering in vacuum coating systems.

• Proficiency with material characterization tools (e.g., SEM, FTIR, spectrophotometer, profilometer).

• Strong understanding of laboratory safety and 6S processes.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical presentations and reports.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and data management (e.g., SharePoint, laboratory notebooks).

• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including program managers, design engineers, and production staff.

• U.S. citizenship required; must possess an active U.S. security clearance or be eligible to obtain one (eligibility typically requires U.S. citizenship, a clean background, and no conflicting foreign allegiances).

Preferred Experience

• Experience with PLC systems and vacuum chamber components.

• Familiarity with ASTM standards and quality control testing for aerospace materials.

• Proven ability to develop patentable technologies or contribute to government-funded research programs.

Salary Range =76k-126k

About us:

Here at PPG we make it happen, and we seek candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our values, with the commitment and drive to strive today to do better than yesterday - everyday.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @ PPG on Twitter.

The PPG Way

Every single day at PPG:

We partner with customers to create mutual value.

We are "One PPG" to the world.

We trust our people every day, in every way.