Lead R&D Engineer​/Scientist

Lead R&D Engineer/Scientist – Solstice Advanced Materials

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The Lead Research and Development Engineer/Scientist will be responsible for providing guidance, mentorship, and technical expertise to lead critical project groups. You will utilize your background in materials science, electronics, sensors, controls, or related fields to guide and contribute to the development of innovative solutions. You will be responsible for identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementing best practices to enhance the efficiency of R&D activities.

Be part of a team that applies its expertise and knowledge to new product development and technology projects, finding innovative, cost‑effective means to improve research, processes, products, and technologies for Solstice’s Spectra Fiber business. You will facilitate design, development, and testing to meet project objectives faster as you commercialize the next generation of high‑performance products within Spectra’s fiber and ballistic composite portfolio.

You will report directly to our R&D Applications Manager, and you’ll work out of our Colonial Heights, VA location on an in‑person work schedule.

• Lead new fiber/composite product development projects (lab and pilot scale).
• Contribute to intellectual property developments for high performance fiber/polymer processes used in ballistic/medical applications.
• Interact with customers on product application development.
• Experiment/trial development and execution.
• Project management and intellectual property research.
• Design analysis and prototyping.
• Research and development.

• Conduct research and development activities aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Design and conduct experiments, simulations, and analyses to drive new technology and product development.
• Lead ideation, conceptualization, and prototyping of innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners.
• Ensure R&D projects meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and quality protocols.
• Contribute to strategies for successful commercialization of R&D innovations.

• Degree in Engineering or Sciences Discipline (chemical, mechanical, fiber/textiles, chemistry, polymer science or similar).
• 10+ years of experience in fiber, polymer, composite, and/or ballistic product development applications.
• Proven track record of technical leadership and project management.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards in product development.

• Advanced degree in Fiber, Textile, or Chemical Engineering is desirable.
• Hands on experience with UHMWPE fiber, energy absorbing composites, or ballistic product design/testing.
• Experience with fiber production and processing (gel spinning, melt spinning, etc).
• Experience with armor end article fabrication, textiles, and/or ballistic testing.
• Significant experience working in cross‑functional teams to develop new products and technology in highly regulated environments.
• Experience in design of experiments, product design, and customer applications support.
• Team oriented with excellent interpersonal skills – ability to lead, motivate, develop, and mentor others.
• Self‑starter, with the ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
• Individuals who are able to work without guidance or supervision and have demonstrated knowledge of engineering techniques to optimize design processes.
• Track record of successful contributions to products/projects in a matrix organization.

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have asylum or refugee status in the U.S.

The annual base salary range for this position is $139K – $209K. This salary information serves as a general guideline. Solstice considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education and training, key skills, as…