Summary

The R&D Manager – Thermoplastics will support the development and advancement of Kingspan’s thermoplastic insulation materials, including Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) systems. This role focuses on experimental research, formulation development, materials testing, and pilot-scale validation to deliver next-generation, high-performance, and sustainable... insulation products.

Working under the direction of the Divisional R&D Lead – Thermoplastic Technologies and collaborating closely with Manufacturing, Sustainability, and Product Development teams, this position provides a hands-on opportunity to contribute to innovations that align with Kingspan’s Planet Passionate sustainability goals.

Essential Duties


- Plan, conduct, and analyze laboratory and pilot-scale experiments focused on EPS and XPS material systems.

- Formulate and evaluate new polymer blends, additives, and foaming agents to improve performance and environmental profile.

- Characterize materials through mechanical, thermal, and physical testing to assess product properties and consistency.

- Translate lab-scale results into production-relevant formulations and support process engineers during scale-up activities.

- Maintain detailed documentation of experimental work, results, and conclusions in accordance with R&D protocols.

- Research and develop sustainable solutions, including recycled content, bio-based raw materials, and low-GWP foaming technologies.

- Investigate and evaluate new processing techniques, equipment, and material technologies relevant to thermoplastic foams.

- Collaborate with global and divisional R&D teams to support new technology transfer and integration into manufacturing.

- Contribute to continuous improvement projects through data-driven experimentation and problem-solving.

- Develop eco-friendly formulations that enhance recyclability, reduce embodied carbon, and improve energy efficiency.

- Support life-cycle analysis and sustainability evaluations for new material concepts.

- Participate in projects aimed at waste reduction, energy optimization, and circular material use.

- Ensure all laboratory and pilot operations meet EHS, quality, and regulatory standards.

- Maintain clean, safe, and well-organized R&D environments and documentation practices.



Education Requirements:


- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

- 5+ years of hands-on experience in polymer R&D, thermoplastic materials, or foam extrusion technologies.

- Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, compounding, extrusion, and foaming processes



Must be able to:


- Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and materials characterization.

- Familiarity with sustainability-driven material innovation (e.g., recycled or bio-based feedstocks) preferred.

- Proficiency with lab instrumentation and process data analysis tools.

- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.

- Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional and global team environments.



Travel:  Travel will vary, but will be approximately 50% between meeting with customers, attending industry events, visiting plants and attending intercompany meetings.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write complex reports and correspondence.    Must be able to communicate orally and written in English.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, etc.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.  Ability to forecast accurately.

Reasoning Skills: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in non-standardized situations.

Certificate/License:  Valid driver’s license with record clean enough to be acceptable to our insurance carrier.

At Kingspan, we’re pushing the boundaries of material innovation to build a more sustainable world. As an R&D Manager in Thermoplastics, you’ll contribute directly to developing the next generation of EPS and XPS technologies—combining science, experimentation, and sustainability to deliver insulation solutions that perform better and impact less.

All Employees have the following compliance obligations: 


- Remain compliant with the Code of Conduct and Policies which includes the Product Compliance Policy. 

- Ensure that all duties related to product compliance are adhered to in accordance with the Product Compliance Policy, Laws, Regulations and market demands. 

- Responsible for all tasks to achieve compliance goals and demands of Compliance Management System. 

- Must raise concerns related to the Compliance Management System to their supervisor, manager, any member of the Leadership Team, or through the confidential whistle blower service. 



 
 more

Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, a division of the Kingspan Group Plc headquartered in Ireland, is a global and trusted leader in the design, manufacturing, and supply of high-performance sustainable building products and solutions for the construction industry. As the most energy-efficient, cost-effective building envelope solutions, insulated metal panels are at the forefront of... sustainability. We serve the architectural, commercial/industrial, cold storage and food processing markets, and are committed to delivering the most advanced building products on the market.

Learn about our Planet Passionate initiatives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEeIS55WMOk

At Kingspan, our future success is based on the quality of our people, who's expertise and motivation have helped ensure that we remain at the forefront of the construction materials manufacturing industry. In joining Kingspan you become an important part of a growing organization with a reputation for innovative design and use of technology, technical expertise, product quality, service excellence, and dedication to sustainability.

Ready to be part of our team?  

Quarterly Performance Bonus

Career Advancement Opportunities

Paid Holidays and PTO

Shift: Monday - Friday, 1st shift available (overtime required as needed)

We are looking for a Logistics associate for our Columbus, OH facility.   

 

Summary: Responsible for the receiving and accurate issuing of consumable materials to customer orders and factory consumables. Industry standard material control techniques, including cycle counting, yearly physical inventory, and parts audit before production deployment, will be used to ensure acceptable levels of inventory accuracy are always met. This position will develop and maintain local processes and procedures that ensure the ongoing integrity of the inventory control systems.

 

Essential Duties:

• Process Customer orders on time in full.

• Ensure Quality of Product meets and exceeds Customer expectations. Ensure Quality records are maintained.

• Ensure inventory accuracy through the completion of effective inventory control techniques, including Internal Audits, Cycle Counts, and Physical Inventory.

• Assist in the development of localized policies and procedures as related to the control of production inventory.

• Work with Operations personnel to ensure a clear shared understanding of the importance of inventory accuracy.

• Work with the Quality Department to ensure damaged product is accurately captured and removed from inventory.

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled audits of inventory to ensure count integrity.

• Perform scheduled cycle counts and participate in or coordinate yearly physical inventories.

• Perform orders for customer orders and package for dispatch

• Create Purchase requisitions in line with stocking policy and maintain healthy levels in line with sales forecasts.

• Monitor aged and obsolescence risk by SKU, ensure appropriate escalation followed by the manager's cost control of held inventory.

• Perform root cause analysis related to cycle count inaccuracies and drive improvements.

• Perform steel scrap analysis.

• Ensures that all rules/policies stated within the Employee Handbook, the Company Safety Programs, and any federal or state guidelines/laws are being adhered to within the work cell.

o Communicates to other Team Leaders and the Production Manager when Policy violations are noticed within their own work cell or other work areas of the facility.

o Reports infractions to the Production Manager.

o Participates in any required disciplinary action.

• Establish an ongoing culture of cleanliness and order within the inventory/storage area.

• Promote and sustain management programs designed to continuously improve internal processes.

• Provides performance feedback to team members on a scheduled basis.

• Follow the Group Code of Conduct and Group Compliance.

• Follow Compliance requirements per “KNA-SOP-1705 Compliance Roles and Responsibilities.”

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

 

Education/Experience:

• 1+ years of experience in inventory control, supply chain, or operations in a manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of materials processes, complex BOM environment.

• Thorough knowledge of ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred).

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles is beneficial.

 

Computer Skills:

• Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Outlook.

 

Other Skills and Requirements:

• High level of interpersonal skills.

• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with all levels of management.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to lift and move inventory items during cycle counts (as needed).

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.

 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform key responsibilities.

• Body Movement & Posture: Standing or walking for extended periods, frequent bending, stooping, crouching, or kneeling, climbing stairs or ladders, crawling, or working in confined spaces.

• Manual Dexterity & Handling: Using hands and fingers to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects, operating machinery or tools with precision, repetitive motion tasks (e.g., packaging, sorting).

• Strength & Lifting: Lifting and carrying materials (often 25–50 lbs.). Pushing or pulling carts, pallets, or equipment. Adjusting body movements to match the pace of moving objects.

• Sensory Requirements: Near and far visual acuity for spotting defects or reading gauges. Hearing alarms, instructions, or machinery sounds. Peripheral vision for monitoring surroundings.

• Cognitive & Environmental Factors: Maintaining focus in noisy or fast-paced environments. Performing tasks independently or in teams. Exposure to heat, cold, dust, or chemicals, depending on the facility. 

 

Kingspan is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

 
 more

Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, a division of the Kingspan Group Plc headquartered in Ireland, is a global and trusted leader in the design, manufacturing, and supply of high-performance sustainable building products and solutions for the construction industry. As the most energy-efficient, cost-effective building envelope solutions, insulated metal panels are at the forefront of... sustainability. We serve the architectural, commercial/industrial, cold storage and food processing markets, and are committed to delivering the most advanced building products on the market.

Learn about our Planet Passionate initiatives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEeIS55WMOk

At Kingspan, our future success is based on the quality of our people, who's expertise and motivation have helped ensure that we remain at the forefront of the construction materials manufacturing industry. In joining Kingspan you become an important part of a growing organization with a reputation for innovative design and use of technology, technical expertise, product quality, service excellence, and dedication to sustainability.

Ready to be part of our team?  

Quarterly Performance Bonus

Career Advancement Opportunities

Paid Holidays and PTO

Shift: Monday - Friday, 1st shift available (overtime required as needed)

We are looking for a Logistics associate for our Columbus, OH facility.   

 

Summary: Responsible for the receiving and accurate issuing of consumable materials to customer orders and factory consumables. Industry standard material control techniques, including cycle counting, yearly physical inventory, and parts audit before production deployment, will be used to ensure acceptable levels of inventory accuracy are always met. This position will develop and maintain local processes and procedures that ensure the ongoing integrity of the inventory control systems.

 

Essential Duties:

• Process Customer orders on time in full.

• Ensure Quality of Product meets and exceeds Customer expectations. Ensure Quality records are maintained.

• Ensure inventory accuracy through the completion of effective inventory control techniques, including Internal Audits, Cycle Counts, and Physical Inventory.

• Assist in the development of localized policies and procedures as related to the control of production inventory.

• Work with Operations personnel to ensure a clear shared understanding of the importance of inventory accuracy.

• Work with the Quality Department to ensure damaged product is accurately captured and removed from inventory.

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled audits of inventory to ensure count integrity.

• Perform scheduled cycle counts and participate in or coordinate yearly physical inventories.

• Perform orders for customer orders and package for dispatch

• Create Purchase requisitions in line with stocking policy and maintain healthy levels in line with sales forecasts.

• Monitor aged and obsolescence risk by SKU, ensure appropriate escalation followed by the manager's cost control of held inventory.

• Perform root cause analysis related to cycle count inaccuracies and drive improvements.

• Perform steel scrap analysis.

• Ensures that all rules/policies stated within the Employee Handbook, the Company Safety Programs, and any federal or state guidelines/laws are being adhered to within the work cell.

o Communicates to other Team Leaders and the Production Manager when Policy violations are noticed within their own work cell or other work areas of the facility.

o Reports infractions to the Production Manager.

o Participates in any required disciplinary action.

• Establish an ongoing culture of cleanliness and order within the inventory/storage area.

• Promote and sustain management programs designed to continuously improve internal processes.

• Provides performance feedback to team members on a scheduled basis.

• Follow the Group Code of Conduct and Group Compliance.

• Follow Compliance requirements per “KNA-SOP-1705 Compliance Roles and Responsibilities.”

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

 

Education/Experience:

• 1+ years of experience in inventory control, supply chain, or operations in a manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of materials processes, complex BOM environment.

• Thorough knowledge of ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred).

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles is beneficial.

 

Computer Skills:

• Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Outlook.

 

Other Skills and Requirements:

• High level of interpersonal skills.

• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with all levels of management.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to lift and move inventory items during cycle counts (as needed).

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.

 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform key responsibilities.

• Body Movement & Posture: Standing or walking for extended periods, frequent bending, stooping, crouching, or kneeling, climbing stairs or ladders, crawling, or working in confined spaces.

• Manual Dexterity & Handling: Using hands and fingers to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects, operating machinery or tools with precision, repetitive motion tasks (e.g., packaging, sorting).

• Strength & Lifting: Lifting and carrying materials (often 25–50 lbs.). Pushing or pulling carts, pallets, or equipment. Adjusting body movements to match the pace of moving objects.

• Sensory Requirements: Near and far visual acuity for spotting defects or reading gauges. Hearing alarms, instructions, or machinery sounds. Peripheral vision for monitoring surroundings.

• Cognitive & Environmental Factors: Maintaining focus in noisy or fast-paced environments. Performing tasks independently or in teams. Exposure to heat, cold, dust, or chemicals, depending on the facility. 

 

Kingspan is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any factor, including veteran status and disability status, protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

 
 more