Testing and Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Testing and Prototyping Engineer

Company: Owens Corning

Location: West Chicago, IL 60185, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Manufacturing / Science & Research

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This is an early-career, individual contributor role focused on supporting material, component, and full door/door system testing within the Applied Innovation & Technical Services team.

• The role involves hands-on prototyping activities, requiring collaboration with test technicians, product engineers, and R&D scientists to execute test plans and analyze results.

• Key responsibilities include assisting with sample preparation, instrumentation, and data collection across various test types (mechanical, environmental, durability, performance).

• The engineer will be responsible for analyzing and documenting test findings, preparing clear reports, and communicating results to inform front-end innovation and new product development (NPD) programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original job description uses the title "Testing and Prototyping Engineer" and places it within the "Applied Innovation & Technical Services" team. Given the responsibilities involving material/component testing, prototyping, data analysis, and reporting, this role aligns with a foundational engineering position within R&D or Product Development operations. The emphasis on supporting NPD programs indicates a direct contribution to the product lifecycle management operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the execution of base material, component, and full door/door system testing in close collaboration with test technicians.

• Assist with crucial test setup procedures, sample preparation, instrumentation calibration, and meticulous data collection for mechanical, environmental, durability, and performance evaluations.

• Conduct thorough data analysis and interpretation of test results, preparing clear, well-structured technical reports and presentations for product engineers and R&D scientists.

• Maintain detailed documentation of test methods, observations, any deviations from protocol, and the final outcomes, ensuring adherence to internal standards and quality expectations.

• Participate actively in prototype design and fabrication, including:

  • Assisting with concept development and evaluating design-for-manufacturability (DFM) considerations.
  • Supporting the development of effective prototype manufacturing methods.
  • Building and modifying prototypes alongside technicians in laboratory and shop environments.

• Contribute to both front-end innovation efforts (early-stage R&D exploration) and new product development (NPD) programs.

• Develop a working familiarity with relevant industry standards, regulations, and internal test methods pertaining to doors and door systems.

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of test methods, fixtures, and prototyping processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Maintain a strong and proactive focus on safety protocols, laboratory organization, and adherence to best practices in all activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are expanded to include more specific actions and operational details relevant to an engineering support role. For example, "Assist with test setup" is elaborated to include "sample preparation, instrumentation, and data collection," and "Perform data analysis" now includes "interpretation of test results; prepare clear, well-structured reports and presentations." The prototyping responsibilities have been detailed to include concept development, DFM, and manufacturing method support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work hands-on in a laboratory, test, or prototype shop environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for technical reporting and team collaboration.

• Willingness to learn and adapt across a wide range of materials, processes, and testing methodologies.

• Fundamental understanding of engineering principles related to materials, mechanics, and product performance.

• Ability to analyze test data, identify trends, and communicate results clearly and objectively.

• Comfort working with test equipment, measurement tools, and basic instrumentation, or a strong aptitude to learn these quickly.

• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with engineers, scientists, and technicians.

• Practical, hands-on mindset with a keen interest in product construction and failure analysis.

• Proficiency with common engineering software tools, including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data analysis software; familiarity with 3D CAD software is also listed.

• Curiosity, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn within a product-focused R&D environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior exposure to materials testing, mechanical testing, product testing, or general laboratory work.

• Experience with data analysis, technical reporting, or laboratory documentation.

• Hands-on experience with fabrication or prototyping processes, whether academic or professional.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Qualifications" and "Experience Requirements" sections have been merged and reorganized under "Education" and "Experience" for clarity. The "Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities" section has been integrated into "Required Skills," with a separate "Preferred Skills" section created to distinguish between essential and advantageous qualifications. Specific software proficiencies mentioned in the original text (Excel, PowerPoint, 3D CAD) have been explicitly called out. The physical requirements have also been included under required skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience through projects showcasing material or component testing methodologies, including setup, execution, and data acquisition.

• Include examples of technical reports or presentations that effectively analyze and communicate test results, highlighting key findings and conclusions.

• Showcase any involvement in prototype design, fabrication, or modification, illustrating hands-on skills and understanding of manufacturing processes.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of documenting test methods, procedures, or observations, demonstrating attention to detail and adherence to standards.

• Documentation of data analysis processes, including the tools and techniques used to derive meaningful insights from test results.

• Any contributions to the improvement of existing test methods, fixtures, or prototyping processes should be documented, showcasing an understanding of process optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job description doesn't explicitly ask for a portfolio, the nature of the role—involving testing, analysis, reporting, and prototyping—strongly implies that candidates should be prepared to present evidence of their work. This section infers the types of projects and documentation that would be relevant for a candidate to showcase during the application and interview process, focusing on process documentation and demonstrable engineering skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The base salary range for this position is $66,000 to $79,200 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance

• Supplemental Offerings

• 401k Plan with company contribution (regardless of employee participation) and matching contributions.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy that recognizes full professional tenure, including Vacation, Personal Floating Holidays, and Standard Holidays.

• Employee Assistance Services

• Stock Purchase Program

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position requiring weekday work (Monday - Friday).

• Standard working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime based on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary information is directly extracted from the provided text. The benefits listed are also directly extracted and presented in a more organized, bulleted format. The working hours are inferred based on the "full-time position requiring weekday (Monday - Friday) work" statement, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Products (Roofing, Insulation, Doors)

Company Size: Owens Corning is a publicly traded company (NYSE: OC) with a significant global presence, typically classified as a large enterprise, employing thousands worldwide.

Founded: 1938

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Applied Innovation & Technical Services" team, suggesting a group focused on research, development, and technical support for product innovation.

• This team likely comprises engineers, scientists, and technicians working collaboratively on material and product development.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making through rigorous testing and analysis.

• Application of engineering principles to solve material and product performance challenges.

• A focus on innovation, supporting both early-stage R&D exploration and New Product Development (NPD) programs.

• Commitment to continuous improvement in testing methodologies, prototyping processes, and laboratory best practices.

Company Website: www.owenscorning.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information such as industry, size, and founding date are integrated from the provided text and general knowledge about Owens Corning. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the team name ("Applied Innovation & Technical Services"), the role's responsibilities, and the company's industry as a building products leader.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Develop expertise in various testing methodologies (mechanical, environmental, durability), data analysis techniques, and prototyping processes.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific material science, product testing areas, or advanced prototyping techniques within the building products industry.

• Career Progression: Opportunity to advance into roles such as Product Engineer, Senior Testing Engineer, R&D Scientist, or lead prototyping projects as experience grows.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain deep understanding of building product standards, regulations, and market needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the career trajectory and impact of the role, framing it within the context of operations and R&D. The "Operations Career Level" clarifies the entry point, "Reporting Structure" outlines the reporting lines, and "Operations Impact" details how the role contributes to business objectives. "Growth Opportunities" are extrapolated based on typical career paths for engineers in R&D and product development environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The position is based at Owens Corning's Innovation Center, suggesting a dedicated facility for research, development, and technical services, likely equipped with advanced testing and prototyping laboratories.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with test technicians, product engineers, and R&D scientists, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere in both lab and office settings.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to specialized testing equipment, instrumentation, laboratory tools, prototyping machinery, and standard engineering software (Excel, PowerPoint, CAD).

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with technical staff to execute test plans, troubleshoot issues, and share findings, promoting knowledge exchange and continuous learning.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule, Monday through Friday, is expected.

• The role may require occasional flexibility or overtime to meet project deadlines or conduct time-sensitive testing, as is common in R&D and product development operations.

• The job description mentions up to 10% domestic travel, indicating potential for site visits or collaboration with other facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the "Innovation Center" location and the collaborative nature of the role. Office type, location, workspace context, and work schedule are detailed to provide a comprehensive view of the typical day-to-day operations and the nature of the work environment for an engineering role in this setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and qualifications to assess alignment with the Bachelor's degree requirement, 0-2 years of experience, and hands-on capabilities.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve discussions on engineering principles, materials science, testing methodologies, and data analysis. Candidates may be asked to elaborate on projects from their academic or internship experience.

• Hands-on/Lab Assessment (Potential): Depending on the role's specific needs, there might be a practical assessment or a detailed discussion about laboratory procedures, equipment usage, and safety protocols.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, problem-solving approach, adaptability, communication effectiveness, and alignment with Owens Corning's values and the team's working style.

• Hiring Manager Review: Final discussion with the hiring manager to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Practical Experience: Prepare to discuss specific projects where you conducted testing, analyzed data, or built prototypes. Highlight your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., improvements in test efficiency, accuracy of data, successful prototype validation).

• Detail Your Process: For any project, be ready to explain your methodology, the tools you used (e.g., specific test equipment, software), and the steps you took from conception to completion.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked effectively with team members (technicians, engineers) to achieve project goals.

• Demonstrate Learning: For an early-career role, showing a strong desire to learn and adapt is crucial. Be prepared to discuss what you learned from your experiences and how you applied it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential scenario-based questions related to troubleshooting test setups, interpreting unexpected data, or proposing prototype modifications.

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as if presenting to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Consider how you would approach a new testing protocol or a prototyping challenge based on limited information.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers a typical interview process for an engineering role of this level, emphasizing the need for practical experience demonstration and technical communication. The portfolio review tips are tailored to the responsibilities of a Testing and Prototyping Engineer, focusing on showcasing hands-on work, data analysis, and reporting skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Excel: For data analysis, tracking, and basic reporting. Proficiency is expected.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating technical reports and presentations of findings.

• 3D CAD Software: Familiarity with CAD tools for assisting in prototype design and modifications.

• Laboratory Equipment & Instrumentation: Aptitude to learn and operate various testing machines, measurement tools, and data acquisition systems.

• Prototyping Equipment: Familiarity with or ability to learn fabrication tools and machinery used in a lab or shop environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic data analysis software (specifics not mentioned, but implies tools beyond Excel for more complex analysis if needed).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this specific role, as it is focused on R&D/testing rather than sales or marketing operations. However, understanding how R&D data feeds into broader product lifecycle management systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are derived directly from the "Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities" section of the original job description, with emphasis on practical engineering and data-handling software. The CRM & Automation section is noted as not directly applicable to this role, which is common for R&D-focused positions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A strong emphasis on safety in laboratory and shop environments is paramount.

• Data-Driven: Decisions and findings are based on rigorous testing and objective data analysis.

• Innovation & Curiosity: A culture that encourages exploration, learning, and the development of new ideas and products.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared technical and product development goals.

• Quality & Precision: Maintaining high standards in testing procedures, documentation, and reporting.

• Hands-On Approach: Valuing practical application and direct involvement in the creation and testing of products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with test technicians, product engineers, and R&D scientists, requiring clear communication and mutual respect for expertise.

• Process Improvement Focus: Encouraging contributions to the optimization of test methods and prototyping processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where learnings from testing and prototyping are shared to benefit ongoing and future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the team's culture and values based on the role's responsibilities, the company's industry (manufacturing/building products), and the explicit mention of "Applied Innovation & Technical Services." The emphasis on safety, data, and hands-on work is typical for such engineering environments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Curve: Adapting to a wide range of materials, testing methodologies, and industry standards within a short timeframe (0-2 years experience).

• Data Interpretation: Accurately analyzing complex test data and translating it into actionable insights for product development.

• Prototyping Complexity: Assisting in the design and fabrication of prototypes that accurately represent desired product performance and manufacturability.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating technical findings and needs to diverse stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

• Balancing Innovation & Development: Supporting both early-stage exploratory innovation and structured new product development programs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Gaining hands-on experience with various testing equipment, instrumentation, and prototyping techniques.

• Industry Knowledge Acquisition: Deepening understanding of building materials, product performance standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and scientists, potentially through mentorship or formal training programs.

• Career Path Exploration: Exposure to different facets of product development, enabling informed decisions about future career specialization within Owens Corning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines potential challenges inherent in an early-career engineering role focused on testing and prototyping, alongside the corresponding growth and learning opportunities available within Owens Corning's R&D environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical & Methodological: "Describe a time you conducted a test or experiment. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and how did you analyze the results?"

• Prototyping & Fabrication: "Walk me through a project where you were involved in building or modifying a prototype. What materials did you use, and what was your role in the fabrication process?"

• Data Analysis & Reporting: "How would you approach analyzing a dataset from a mechanical stress test? What key metrics would you look for, and how would you present your findings?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a test sample failed unexpectedly. What steps would you take to investigate the cause?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Owens Corning and this specific role in Applied Innovation & Technical Services?"

• "How do you approach working in a team environment, especially when collaborating with technicians and senior engineers?"

• "Describe your understanding of safety protocols in a lab or shop setting."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the objective, your role, the methodology used (testing, prototyping), the challenges encountered, and the results or learnings.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, photos, or short videos of prototypes or test setups to illustrate your work.

• Data Visualization: If presenting data analysis, use clear charts and graphs to highlight key findings and trends.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant projects within a given timeframe, focusing on the impact and your contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of a Testing and Prototyping Engineer role, focusing on practical experience, technical understanding, and collaborative abilities. Portfolio presentation advice is geared towards showcasing engineering projects effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Owens Corning careers portal via the provided URL.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, internships, or co-op experiences that demonstrate hands-on laboratory work, testing, prototyping, data analysis, and technical reporting skills. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile examples of your work that showcase your ability to conduct tests, analyze data, and fabricate prototypes. Be ready to discuss these projects in detail, focusing on your specific contributions and learnings.

• Technical Acumen: Brush up on fundamental engineering principles related to materials science, mechanics, and product performance. Review common testing methodologies relevant to building products.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Owens Corning's product lines, their market position, and their commitment to innovation. Understand their values and how they apply to an R&D or technical services environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.