Innovation Leader Applied Research

Category:
Engineering, Scientists & Technicians

Sub-Category:
Science

Work Arrangement:
Hybrid

Posting

Start Date:

5/8/26

Posting End Date: 5/23/26

The Gore’s Performance Solutions Division (GPS) Innovation Leader for Applied Research is responsible for shaping and delivering our future technology platforms for GPS. This role leads experienced leaders with teams of scientists in Material Research and Material Characterization. In addition, the Applied Research Leader provides leadership to our expert leading the overall Intellectual Property process & strategy and to our global Lab Leader leading R&D labs.

The role partners closely with product focused Innovation Leaders and Business Development teams to ensure a strong link for our research portfolio to new product development and business outcomes.

Success in this role requires the ability to inspire others with innovative ideas that can be applied to realizable products solving real life customer problems. A successful candidate is a role model in innovation demonstrating a strong track record of effective and disciplined execution for a portfolio of research projects as well as creating a team environment for creativity and new ideas.

This role is located at a facility in Elkton, Maryland with the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement.

Pay and Benefits:

• $190,000 - $200,000 per year
• Roles above $150k are eligible for the variable pay program each fiscal year, based on defined business performance metrics.
• Factors considered in extending an offer within this pay range include (but not limited to) education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits effective on Day 1 of employment! We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive benefits. More details are available

• Set and execute research strategies that align with GPS business objectives and deliver defined technology plans
• Identify and build new material technology platforms with a strong link to economic value and long-term growth
• Lead a portfolio of research projects including prioritization, resource allocation, and disciplined decisions to advance, pivot, or stop work based on data and business value
• Partner with product focused Innovation teams and provide appropriate support from Applied Research to deliver new products successfully to the market
• Lead and develop a team of research leaders, creating clarity of direction, effective performance management and strong accountability to build high performance teams delivering business outcomes
• Continuously maintain and improve a culture of innovation that is based on continuous learning, risk tolerance, trust, creativity, business impact and a strong sense of urgency
• Directly lead, coach and develop the Intellectual Property lead and the global Lab Leader; ensure alignment of expectations within GPS and successful delivery
• Manage the R&D budget for Applied Research, ensuring effective use of resources and alignment with portfolio priorities and growth commitments
• Ensure effective leverage of external technology partners to maximize speed of execution and overall outcome

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field
• A minimum of 10 years of industry experience driving applied research and advanced technologies into differentiated products, platforms, or applications
• Leadership experience in breakthrough innovation, with a strong record of leading teams from early discovery to high-impact new product opportunities
• Recognized leader capable of fostering an innovative culture that combines creativity with discipline and a sense of urgency to deliver business outcomes
• Experience in effective performance management, developing team leader capabilities and building a strong pipeline of talents to fill key roles
• Track record as a scientist successfully delivering new technologies to a product or application
• Proven track record of managing research or product portfolios, including prioritization, resource allocation, and disciplined decisions to advance or stop work
• Track record of successful engagement in external collaboration and partnerships with technology partners and customers
• Demonstrated ability to define and evolve innovation and research strategy, anticipate emerging technologies, and translate into portfolio level investment and growth decisions
• Ability to use complex and incomplete data sets and synthesize cross-functional input to drive effective decision making
• Strong business acumen and communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions and connect technologies to applications, customer value and overall business opportunity
• Ability to travel up to 15%

• PhD in engineering, science, or a related technical field

What We Offer

Our success is based on the capability and creativity of our Associates, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards program that…