Global Applications & Equipment Development Leader (m​/f​/d

Global R&D Applications & Equipment Development Leader

DuPont Cyrel® Flexographic Solutions is seeking a Global R&D Applications & Equipment Development Leader to lead a geographically dispersed team responsible for applications development, process innovation, equipment development, and technical program execution supporting the global Cyrel® business.

This role provides leadership for the North American and EMEA Applications organizations while driving critical innovation programs focused on plate processing, workflow automation, equipment development, product commercialization, and customer-focused technology solutions. The successful candidate will partner closely with Formulation R&D, Pilot Line and Laboratory Operations, Manufacturing/Quality, Technical Service, Product Management, and external equipment suppliers.

The position plays a critical role in ensuring continuity of expertise, accelerating innovation execution, and developing the next generation of Cyrel® applications and processing technologies. The role may be located in either Wilmington, Delaware or Neu-Isenburg, Germany.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a highly engaged, collaborative, and performance-driven global team.
• Develop technical talent, succession plans, and capability-building strategies.
• Foster cross-regional alignment, knowledge transfer, and best-practice sharing.
• Create an environment focused on safety, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Portfolio & Program Leadership

• Own the Applications and Equipment Development project portfolio for Cyrel®.
• Drive program prioritization, resource allocation, and execution against business and innovation objectives.
• Provide program management leadership for critical global projects, ensuring alignment with the DuPont Innovation Framework (DIF).
• Lead milestone reviews, risk assessments, and portfolio reporting for senior business leadership.

Applications Technology Leadership

• Direct development of advanced flexographic plate applications, workflows, processing methods, and print technologies.
• Translate customer, market, and business needs into technical development programs.
• Partner cross-functionally to support successful product launches and key customer initiatives.

Equipment Development & Strategic Technology

• Provide technical leadership for equipment development programs supporting Cyrel® processing technologies.
• Partner with internal and external teams to define equipment roadmaps and specifications.
• Drive development of automation, digitalization, data-enabled troubleshooting, and next-generation processing technologies.
• Ensure effective balance between internal engineering capabilities and external equipment partnerships.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Printing Technology, Polymer Science, or related technical field with relevant industrial experience
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and lead globally across cultures, functions, and locations.
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Preferred

• Experience with printing technologies, photopolymer systems, imaging technologies, automation, manufacturing processes, or industrial equipment development.
• Knowledge of commercialization processes and stage-gate innovation systems.
• Experience working with external equipment suppliers and development partners.
• PMP, Agile, Lean, or Six Sigma certification beneficial.
• Fluency in English is required; fluency in German is preferred