Job DescriptionJob Title: Research ManagerDate: 2026Reports to: Director of Research and Development Direct Reports: Analytical Scientists, Material Testing Analysts, R&D Characterization Senior Technician, R&D Characterization Technical Specialist, Specification Testing Technicians, and R&D Technician
Duties / Responsibilities of this position: - Provide leadership to a group of specialists and technicians to advance new product offerings and new process methodologies.
- Lead the R&D organization in problem resolution, including a basic, principled approach to frame and solve problems.
- Manage the activities of the group in the context of broad technical and commercial goals of the company, putting activities in context of these larger goals.
- Independently develop innovative ideas in materials and processing technology and lead technical groups through the exploration of these ideas.
- Coordinate activities with multifunctional activities in the organization, ensuring that activities are in context of company-wide goals.
- Maintain a global connection within company research and development and cultivate collaboration and knowledge of technical/scientific trends in global academic, governmental, competitive, and supplier communities.
- Lead a group of technical professionals, including technicians and specialists, to develop new technologies in products and processes. Very competent with self-directed work
- Responsible for technical decisions predicated on work of the directed group
- Construction, maintenance, and safety responsibilities for laboratory workspace and equipment
Job Requirements: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: - BS, MS, or PhD in the sciences, typically in the chemical and engineering sciences.
- Experience leading technical programs and/or personnel toward advancement of business goals.
- Experience in establishing well-founded credibility in the research group and in the whole of the business organization.
- Select skills in technical/scientific disciplines, as required. Versed in scientific methods, laboratory apparatus, and communication skills.
- Capable of fostering a contributive, collaborative environment in the research community, and in relation to multiple corporate functions
- Comfortable with leading on issues with uncertain circumstance or conflicting viewpoints
Core Competencies: Physical Demands Analysis: - Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.
- Occasional carrying up to 30 lbs.
- Occasional pushing/pulling up to 30 lbs.
- Frequent fine finger movement and handling materials
- Frequent gripping and reaching
- Occasional climbing stairs/step ladder
- Continuous use of computer monitor, keyboard, and computer mouse
- Frequent standing and walking
- Occasional bending, stooping, twisting or balancing
- Rare crawling, kneeling, and crouching
Environmental Conditions: - Dust/Vapor Fumes - occasional
- Hazardous Machines - occasional
- Moving Objects - occasional
- Sharp hand tools - occasional
- May be required to wear the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety Glasses, Gloves, Sleeves, and Respirator (Dust Mask).
Never = Not Required/Never (0%) Rare = Seldom/Rare (Not daily - 1-10%) Occasional = Minor/Occasional (Less than 3 hours - 11-33%) Frequent = Required/Frequent (For 3-5 hours - 34-64%) Continuous = Major/Continuous (More than 5 hours - 64-100%) Benefits - Excellent total compensation package
- 100% company paid medical, dental, and vision
- Generous 401K contributions
- Top-notch wellness program with a focus on your total well-being
