What are the responsibilities and job description for the R&D Manager - Electronic Materials position at Critical Fit Recruiting?
About the Company
We are looking for an R&D Manager to lead the development and commercialization of applied coatings. This individual will be responsible for managing a small team of scientists and technicians, coordinating internal R&D efforts that directly support product growth and innovation. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring frequent cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain.
About the Role
The R&D Manager will oversee the development and commercialization of electronic materials, ensuring alignment with business objectives and fostering a culture of innovation.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor the R&D team supporting the Electronic Coatings product line, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
- Align R&D priorities with business objectives and manage New Product and Solutions Development (NPSD) project timelines, while continually adjusting scope and resources as needed.
- Champion cross-functional efforts for technology transfer, pilot trials, and field testing to ensure successful commercialization in coordination with the marketing and sales functions.
- Support M&A efforts through R&D due diligence, capability assessment, and integration of acquired technologies and team.
- Leverage expertise in polyurethane, epoxy, acrylics, and hybrid chemistries for developing high performance adhesives and coatings solutions within the targeted electronics market segment.
- Collaborate with commercial teams along with technology-based thought leadership to identify product development opportunities and translate customer needs into actionable product development platforms.
- Provide technical support to operations and quality teams across multiple manufacturing sites, including hands-on troubleshooting and scale-up guidance.
- Ensure product compliance with ISO 9001 standards and support internal, external, and customer audits.
- Promote and uphold safety protocols at all R&D and manufacturing sites.
- Represent the electronic coatings and adhesives R&D team in broader functional meetings and strategic planning initiatives.
- Track and report KPIs, project milestones, and resource utilization to senior leadership in actionable format and set the course for future actions.
- Serve as a collaborative partner across business units to identify synergies, new applications and share best practices.
Qualifications
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline. Equivalent industry experience may be considered.
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in product development, and new markets and applications identification, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing technical programs.
- Strong background in electronic coatings, adhesives, and related solutions development is highly preferred.
- High degree of experience implementing stage-gate NPD processes and project management tools.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovation in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% to support manufacturing, customer, and field trial activities.
Required Skills
- Expertise in polyurethane, epoxy, acrylics, and hybrid chemistries.
- Experience in managing technical programs and leading teams.
- Strong project management skills.
Preferred Skills
- Background in electronic coatings and adhesives development.
- Experience with ISO 9001 compliance.
