Product Technology Director

Overview

The Director, New Product Technology will lead and actively engage in all new technology development efforts. This role will work closely with key customers to build strategic partnerships, collaborating with Sales and Marketing to identify unmet market needs. This role will participate in customer visits and industry events to support new product development and successful product launches.

The position requires expertise across a broad range of elastomer technologies, processing methods and a proven track record of commercializing products. The incumbent will manage, mentor, and train the R&D team, fostering a culture of shared ownership and accountability for R&D deliverables.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Engage and expand new product offerings of various elastomer technologies.
• Process development across different platforms to scale up from prototype to commercial scale.
• Develop and maintain relationships with strategic customers and supply chain.
• Provide oversight and guidance for root cause investigations of material issues in manufacturing and field applications.
• Coordinate R&D with Business Development, Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, and NPI teams to launch innovative technology and ensure all documentation is complete.
• Contribute to company s strategic planning process in partnership with the senior leadership team and board.
• Perform other duties or responsibilities assigned over the course of employment.
• Promote a team environment based on mutual respect, open communication, and collective responsibility throughout the organization.
• 15% travel (domestic & international).

Supervising, scheduling, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating the work of assigned staff are responsibilities for supervisory positions as well as promoting a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free workplace.

• Direct Reports:
  Chemist, Process Development Engineers
• Indirect Reports:
  None
• Collaborate with other R&D leaders to oversee both departmental budgets and program management.

• Post-graduate degree in Chemical or Polymer Engineering.
• 10+ years  experience in the industry related to polymer formulation development.
• 5+ years in hands-on management of people and teams in a lab or research development environment.
• In depth experience in elastomers and adhesives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Strong understanding of statistical software and methodologies, including JMP, MATLAB, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Experienced in R&D documentation and intellectual property (IP) protection best practices.
• Familiarity with semiconductor industry manufacturing and cleanroom protocols.
• Effective communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Able to read, speak and understand English text, instructions, and diagrams.
• Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain
  1) reliable and safe transportation to company facilities, customers and for other business travel,
  2) valid State-issued driver s license,
  3) proper vehicle registration, and
  4) State-required minimum automobile insurance coverage requirement.

• Post-graduate degree in Chemical or Polymer Engineering.
• 10+ years  experience in the industry related to polymer formulation development.
• 5+ years in hands-on management of people and teams in a lab or research development environment.
• In depth experience in elastomers and adhesives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Strong understanding of statistical software and methodologies, including JMP, MATLAB, and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Experienced in R&D documentation and intellectual property (IP) protection best practices.
• Familiarity with semiconductor industry manufacturing and cleanroom protocols.
• Effective communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Able to read, speak and understand English text, instructions, and diagrams.
• Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles  Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.