R&D Lab Manager

Our client is an established chemicals company specializing in the manufacturing of silicone-based products for various industries including personal care, automotive, and electronics. They are looking to add an R&D Lab Manager to their team.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$90k – $95k

Position Overview:

The R&D Lab Manager will oversee a small team of lab technicians and chemists in the creation of new silicone products. They will ensure that the lab complies will all safety regulations, provide technical support to the team, and ensure that the team is meeting project deadlines.

Responsibilities of the R&D Lab Manager:

• Ensure that the lab complies with company and legal safety, health, and environmental requirements.
• Oversee product development workflow with R&D Chemists, Production Manager, and Plant Engineer.
• Lead development from bench scale to first-run production, including synthetic, formulated, and customer-specific products.
• The R&D Lab Manager will collaborate with the Production team to optimize new processes.
• Ensure cost-effectiveness, scalability, safe handling, and compliance with customer and environmental standards.
• Finalize QC test methods for new products transitioning to production scale.
• Manage and assign projects to chemists and provide project guidance, troubleshooting, and correction as needed.
• Conduct routine qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and physical property testing.
• Develop new or modified analytical and testing methods when necessary.
• Consult with production on process scale-up and troubleshooting.
• The R&D Lab Manager will assist the Sales team with customer complaints, technical inquiries, and product education.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop sales and safety literature (e.g., Technical Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets, and Product Overviews).

Qualifications for the R&D Lab Manager:

• 5+ years of experience in R&D with coatings, adhesives, sealants, or elastomers.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership or supervisory position.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and multitasking skills.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or related science is required.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401k match and more.