VP R&D

Vice President of Research and Development

Location

Wilmington, MA

Onsite, Hybrid or Fully Remote

Onsite

Status

Full-Time

Reports To

CEO

FLSA Status

Exempt/ Salaried

Management Position

Yes

Position Overview

Company Overview 
 
 At Kovalus Separation Solutions (KSS), we are dedicated to transforming the landscape of separation technologies by leveraging synergies across membrane filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, drying, and other advanced process technologies. Our solutions support customers in the food and beverage, dairy, life science, and industrial markets by enabling product concentration and purification, removal of contaminants, recycling of valuable process chemicals, production of high-purity water, and treatment of wastewater for safe discharge or reuse. 

The Vice President, Research and Development will lead Kovalus' membrane innovation strategy, overseeing the development, scaleup, and lifecycle management of advanced membrane products. This role is responsible for translating market needs and strategic objectives into differentiated technologies that strengthen competitive advantage across water, wastewater, and industrial applications

The Director of R&D will manage multidisciplinary teams spanning membrane development, module design, pilot-to-manufacturing transition, while working closely with Operations, Product Management, Commercial, and Regulatory functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage the Kovalus R&D Organization

Lead R&D Strategy, Portfolio, and Organizational Excellence

Manufacturing Support

Commercial Coordination & Product Launch Enablement

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required

• PhD or MSc. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or related field
• 10 years of progressive experience in membrane technology, separations, or advanced materials
• 5 years in a senior R&D leadership role managing multidisciplinary teams
• Deep technical expertise in membrane materials, module design, and separation processes
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven track record of commercializing membrane products at scale
• Strong understanding of pilot testing, manufacturing scale‑up, and quality systems

Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (3 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision plan insurances; 401K (6% company match & fixed company contribution based on seniority); health savings and flexible spending accounts; company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short-term policy is company paid & long-term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time starting at 3 weeks; 48 hours sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave.

All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.

The Company’s employment application form will state, at least, that The Company will consider all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other basis prohibited by law

Compensation Min: $180k

Compensation Max: $240k Bonus potential 

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to see and respond to at-risk situations.
• Must be able to wear personal protective gear when in industrial locations.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.