Research & Development Manager

Summary

The R&D Manager – Thermoplastics will support the development and advancement of Kingspan’s thermoplastic insulation materials, including Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) systems. This role focuses on experimental research, formulation development, materials testing, and pilot-scale validation to deliver next-generation, high-performance, and sustainable insulation products.

Working under the direction of the Divisional R&D Lead – Thermoplastic Technologies and collaborating closely with Manufacturing, Sustainability, and Product Development teams, this position provides a hands-on opportunity to contribute to innovations that align with Kingspan’s Planet Passionate sustainability goals.

Essential Duties

• Plan, conduct, and analyze laboratory and pilot-scale experiments focused on EPS and XPS material systems.
• Formulate and evaluate new polymer blends, additives, and foaming agents to improve performance and environmental profile.
• Characterize materials through mechanical, thermal, and physical testing to assess product properties and consistency.
• Translate lab-scale results into production-relevant formulations and support process engineers during scale-up activities.
• Maintain detailed documentation of experimental work, results, and conclusions in accordance with R&D protocols.
• Research and develop sustainable solutions, including recycled content, bio-based raw materials, and low-GWP foaming technologies.
• Investigate and evaluate new processing techniques, equipment, and material technologies relevant to thermoplastic foams.
• Collaborate with global and divisional R&D teams to support new technology transfer and integration into manufacturing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects through data-driven experimentation and problem-solving.
• Develop eco-friendly formulations that enhance recyclability, reduce embodied carbon, and improve energy efficiency.
• Support life-cycle analysis and sustainability evaluations for new material concepts.
• Participate in projects aimed at waste reduction, energy optimization, and circular material use.
• Ensure all laboratory and pilot operations meet EHS, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain clean, safe, and well-organized R&D environments and documentation practices.
  
  

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• 5 years of hands-on experience in polymer R&D, thermoplastic materials, or foam extrusion technologies.
• Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, compounding, extrusion, and foaming processes
  
  

Must Be Able To

• Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and materials characterization.
• Familiarity with sustainability-driven material innovation (e.g., recycled or bio-based feedstocks) preferred.
• Proficiency with lab instrumentation and process data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional and global team environments.
  
  

Travel: Travel will vary, but will be approximately 50% between meeting with customers, attending industry events, visiting plants and attending intercompany meetings.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write complex reports and correspondence. Must be able to communicate orally and written in English.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, etc. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to forecast accurately.

Reasoning Skills: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in non-standardized situations.

Certificate/License: Valid driver’s license with record clean enough to be acceptable to our insurance carrier.

At Kingspan, we’re pushing the boundaries of material innovation to build a more sustainable world. As an R&D Manager in Thermoplastics, you’ll contribute directly to developing the next generation of EPS and XPS technologies—combining science, experimentation, and sustainability to deliver insulation solutions that perform better and impact less.

All Employees Have The Following Compliance Obligations

• Remain compliant with the Code of Conduct and Policies which includes the Product Compliance Policy.
• Ensure that all duties related to product compliance are adhered to in accordance with the Product Compliance Policy, Laws, Regulations and market demands.
• Responsible for all tasks to achieve compliance goals and demands of Compliance Management System.
• Must raise concerns related to the Compliance Management System to their supervisor, manager, any member of the Leadership Team, or through the confidential whistle blower service.