Technical Supervisor, Aramids ResearchArclin has a full-time opening for a
Technical Supervisor, Aramids Research in their Spruance Office, which is located in
Richmond, VA.Position SummaryThe Technical Supervisor, Research Operations & Infrastructure is responsible for overseeing research support operations, laboratory infrastructure, technical staff, safety systems, and regulatory compliance across multiple R&D facilities. This role provides leadership for Technical Assistants, manages research-area maintenance and capital improvements, and serves as a key driver of Process Safety Management (PSM) programs to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant research operations.
Key ResponsibilitiesResearch Facilities & Operations Leadership- Serve as the area manager for research and semiworks facilities, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operations.
- Lead facility safety inspections, environmental audits, fire protection reviews, and corrective action implementation.
- Manage research-area assets, equipment, and operational readiness.
- Coordinate maintenance, construction, and installation activities with site support organizations.
- Deliver safety orientation and operational training for research personnel.
Technical Assistant Leadership- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Technical Assistants supporting R&D operations.
- Manage workforce planning, performance management, training, progression, and scheduling.
- Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, labor relations, and bargaining-unit matters.
- Serve as the Technical Assistant Progression Coordinator.
Maintenance & Infrastructure Management- Establish maintenance priorities across research facilities to maximize operational effectiveness.
- Manage work orders, permitting activities, equipment lockout coordination, and contractor support.
- Oversee preventive maintenance, equipment calibration programs, and compliance-related maintenance activities through SAP.
- Act as landlord and operational steward for assigned research buildings and facilities.
Capital Projects & Facility Improvements- Lead infrastructure improvement projects across research facilities, including HVAC, laboratory upgrades, utilities, roofing, and other site enhancements.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between research teams, engineering, maintenance, and construction organizations.
- Drive projects from planning through execution while minimizing disruption to research activities.
Process Safety & Regulatory Compliance- Lead Process Safety Management (PSM) activities for research operations.
- Manage SOP development, revision, and implementation for pilot and semiworks facilities.
- Facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), incident investigations, audits, and corrective actions.
- Deliver annual safety and PSM training to technical staff.
- Represent R&D on site PSM, Responsible Care, and safety committees.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant leadership experience.
- 5+ years of experience in research, manufacturing, engineering, or technical operations environments.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to influence and coordinate cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Experience working with maintenance, construction, and contractor organizations.
- Working knowledge of SAP or comparable maintenance management systems.
- Experience issuing work permits and coordinating operational work activities.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven ability to drive execution, solve complex problems, and deliver results.
Preferred- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
- 5+ years of direct people leadership experience.
- Experience supervising or leading union-represented employees.
- Process Safety Management (PSM) experience in research, pilot plant, or manufacturing environments.
- Lockout/Tagout experience, including Lockout Supervisor qualifications.
- Advanced SAP experience, including work order management, purchasing, maintenance planning, and cost tracking.
- Qualifications to issue or approve permits including hot work, confined space, line break, penetration, and related permits.
- Strong decision-making skills with demonstrated ownership and accountability.
Success ProfileThe ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader who combines strong safety and compliance expertise with the ability to lead technical teams, manage complex facilities, and deliver infrastructure and operational improvements that enable world-class research and development activities.
