Required Skills & Experience
- B.S. + 10 years, M.S. + 8 years, or PhD + 6 years of relevant experience.
- Previous experience managing an R&D team
- Deep technical expertise within adhesives R&D and a career foundation in hands-on technical work.
- Strong knowledge of structural adhesives, with experience in epoxy, polyurethane, and/or acrylic adhesive technologies.
- Demonstrated experience taking products from concept through development, scale-up, and commercialization.
- Ability to remain technically hands-on and provide direction around applications, testing, formulation, and problem solving.
- Experience leading technical projects and working cross-functionally with R&D, commercial, manufacturing, and other stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of industrial product development and the ability to lead major R&D initiatives with minimal technical ramp-up.
Nice to Have Skills & Experience
- Epoxy structural adhesive expertise.
- Experience supporting automotive, aerospace, EV, battery, or other mobility applications.
- Experience working directly with OEMs and customers on technical product development.
- Experience prioritizing a portfolio of R&D projects and allocating technical resources.
- Experience leading senior scientists, engineers, or other highly technical professionals.
Job Description
Overview:
We are seeking a Senior R&D Manager to lead an experienced technical team focused on developing next-generation structural adhesive technologies. This person will be both a technical expert and people leader, providing hands-on technical direction while driving new products from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate has built their career within adhesives R&D, understands the science and applications firsthand, and has progressed into leading technical teams and large development programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, develop, and provide technical direction to a team of experienced R&D professionals.
- Remain hands-on with adhesive applications, testing, formulation, troubleshooting, and technical problem solving.
- Lead the development of new adhesive technologies and platforms, with a focus on structural adhesives.
- Drive new products from initial concept through development, scale-up, manufacturing, and commercialization.
- Lead and prioritize large R&D projects supporting automotive, aerospace, EV, and battery applications.
- Partner closely with commercial leaders to prioritize projects and allocate technical resources.
- Collaborate across R&D, commercial, manufacturing, and other functions to successfully bring products to market.
- Work directly with customers and OEMs as a senior technical leader.
- Manage multiple projects while balancing business priorities, resources, timelines, and technical requirements.
We are a company committed to creating inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment opportunities without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources Request Form. The EEOC "Know Your Rights" Poster is available here.