Director of Product Development, Aerospace Materials

Director Of Product Development, Aerospace Materials

The client is seeking an experienced Director of Product Development to lead the Aerospace Materials Product Development team in Bay Point, California. This individual will drive innovation, technical excellence, and strategic product development initiatives within the aerospace adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings business. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping future technologies while leading a high-performing team focused on delivering innovative solutions to aerospace customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Bay Point Product Development team to deliver innovative, high-quality products that support strategic and financial objectives.
• Develop and contribute to aerospace technology roadmaps, identifying emerging trends and new business opportunities.
• Evaluate and provide Technical Readiness Level (TRL) assessments for new project concepts to support innovation portfolio prioritization.
• Drive intellectual property strategy through patents, trade secrets, and other technology protection initiatives.
• Partner with customers to resolve technical challenges and support root cause investigations.
• Collaborate with Quality and Operations teams to prioritize and execute Management of Change (MOC) projects that sustain and grow existing business.
• Champion laboratory safety, compliance, and 5S initiatives.
• Identify, justify, and implement laboratory CAPEX and OPEX investments that improve efficiency, safety, and innovation capabilities.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Product Development, Application Engineering, Project Management, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Operations to ensure successful project execution.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in chemical or materials research and development.
• Minimum 5 years of experience within the aerospace industry strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading product development programs utilizing Stage-Gate processes.
• Strong technical leadership and team development experience.
• Proven ability to build, mentor, and scale high-performing technical organizations.
• Experience developing aerospace materials such as adhesives, sealants, coatings, composites, or related technologies.
• Direct experience presenting technical solutions to aerospace OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing innovation portfolios, technology roadmaps, and intellectual property strategies.

Compensation:
Based on Experience. One of the best in the industry

Minimum Education:

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline preferred.

Minimum Experience:

Minimum 10 years of experience in chemical or materials research and development Type of position:
Full-time Permanent position with benefits

Location:

Bay Point, California Remote / Hybrid:
No Relocation accepted:
Yes, Full relocation benefits are provided