R&D Manager

Role details

Position Summary

The R&D Manager leads the company’s research and development, quality control, technical service, product scale-up, and commercialization activities. This role provides technical and people leadership to develop and improve adhesive, coating, sealant, and encapsulation products; translate business priorities into actionable R&D plans; and deliver measurable results in support of customer needs and company growth. The Manager partners closely with Manufacturing, Lab, Quality, Sales, suppliers, customers, and Management to ensure safe, efficient, high-quality execution from concept through commercialization.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the President.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, or a related discipline required; an advanced degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field is preferred.

Experience

At least 10 or more years of relevant experience in chemical laboratory work, adhesive formulation, testing, product development, and technical problem-solving. Demonstrated experience with successful product scale-up and commercialization is preferred. Experience leading technical professionals and coordinating cross-functional projects is strongly preferred.

Technical Knowledge and Job Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, and other polymeric adhesive/coating systems.
• Hands-on understanding of formulation development, analytical and performance testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and ensure appropriate use of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Working knowledge of applicable quality systems, safety practices, industry standards, regulatory considerations, and intellectual property considerations relevant to R&D.
• Strong project management, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical-reporting skills; able to explain complex technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, coach, and develop R&D personnel; establish clear priorities, goals, responsibilities, and performance expectations, and foster a productive, professional, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
• Translate business and customer priorities into R&D strategies, project plans, measurable objectives, and timelines; prioritize multiple projects and allocate people, equipment, materials, and other resources to maximize business impact without compromising safety or quality.
• Lead research and development of new products and improve, modify, and troubleshoot existing formulations across the company’s adhesive, coating, sealant, and encapsulation product portfolio.
• Drive product development from concept and laboratory evaluation through validation, manufacturing scale-up, launch, and commercialization; evaluate results and adjust plans based on technical data and business needs.
• Plan and oversee formulation scale-up and process transfer to Plant Production; work with Manufacturing to resolve production issues, improve processes, and support consistent product quality and manufacturability.
• Provide technical service to customers, respond to product-related inquiries and complaints, investigate issues, communicate findings, and recommend effective corrective actions.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with raw material suppliers, existing customers, prospective customers, and other external technical partners; collaborate with customers and OEMs to understand requirements and develop appropriate solutions.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects with Manufacturing, Lab, Quality, Sales, and other relevant teams; communicate status, risks, decisions, and resource needs to Management and stakeholders.
• Analyze laboratory and product-performance data, draw evidence-based conclusions, and prepare clear technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for Management and customers as appropriate.
• Support continuous improvement, new technology exploration, and identification of product or process innovation opportunities, including potential intellectual property opportunities where appropriate.
• Ensure laboratory and production equipment is properly maintained, and that laboratory and production work is conducted safely and efficiently.
• Implement and reinforce applicable safety programs and company policies in the office, laboratory, and plant; support compliance with the company’s ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality-system procedures, as applicable.
• Promote cross-functional communication, teamwork, accountability, attention to detail, reliability, and professional conduct. Adapt priorities and work schedules as business and customer needs require.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned by Management.

General Expectations

The R&D Manager is expected to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, use data to guide decisions, communicate proactively, maintain product integrity and confidentiality, and deliver results aligned with company objectives. Decisions should consider customer requirements, technical feasibility, safety, quality, timing, and available resources.

The company retains the right to revise this job description as duties, responsibilities, and business needs change.

Pay: $105,000.00 - $137,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have the same industry relevant experience in chemical laboratory work, adhesive formulation, testing, product development, and technical problem-solving?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Relevant experience in chemistry laboratory work : 10 years (Required)

Location:

• Newark, NJ 07105 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Newark, NJ 07105 (Required)

Work Location: In person