VP R&D

Overview

Vice President of Research and Development (R&D) at Kovalus Separation Solutions (KSS).

Location:

Onsite, Hybrid, or Fully Remote. This is a full-time role based in Wilmington, MA, US. The position leads the membrane innovation strategy and oversees the development, scale-up, and lifecycle management of advanced membrane products, translating market needs into differentiated technologies across water, wastewater, and industrial applications.

The R&D leader collaborates with Operations, Product Management, Commercial, and Regulatory functions to drive strategy, portfolio governance, and execution. The role also leads multidisciplinary teams spanning membrane development, module design, and pilot-to-manufacturing transition.

• Manage the Kovalus R&D Organization
• Direct Membrane R&D and Product Development resources to achieve company strategic goals through membrane and module design innovations.
• Apply effective project management with clear deliverables, schedules, and regular stakeholder communication.

• Lead R&D Strategy, Portfolio, and Organizational Excellence
• Define and execute the membrane innovation roadmap aligned to company strategy and growth priorities.
• Establish portfolio governance and disciplined execution with stage-gate or fast-track processes, clear deliverables, resource plans, risk management, and proactive stakeholder communication.
• Own the intellectual property strategy and portfolio (patents, trade secrets, freedom-to-operate) to ensure defensible differentiation and value creation.
• Identify and pursue external technology opportunities (partnerships, licensing, M&A) to accelerate roadmap delivery and expand capabilities.

• Manufacturing Support
• Allocate resources for routine manufacturing support, new product releases, and qualification of alternate raw materials.
• Ensure stable, scalable manufacturing operations with focus on qualification of alternate materials, testing, supplier qualification, process validation, and smooth handoff from development to production.

• Commercial Coordination & Product Launch Enablement
• Partner with Product Management and Commercial leaders to translate R&D investments into market impact.
• Define R&D priorities based on customer voice, market insights, and business cases into clear product requirements, target cost/performance, and a actionable innovation roadmap.
• Lead cross-functional alignment on development timelines, validation plans, and commercialization readiness to enable successful product releases.

Required

• PhD or MSc in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in membrane technology, separations, or advanced materials
• 5+ years in a senior R&D leadership role managing multidisciplinary teams
• Deep technical expertise in membrane materials, module design, and separation processes
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven track record of commercializing membrane products at scale
• Strong understanding of pilot testing, manufacturing scale-up, and quality systems
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and industry standards

Salary Range: $ to $ annually

Kovalus offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; health savings and flexible spending accounts; life insurance; disability insurance; voluntary insurance options; travel insurance; paid holidays; vacation; sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance; referral bonus; bereavement leave. All benefits are subject to plan terms and may change.

EEO:
The Company will consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, union membership, or other protected status as required by law.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to ascend/descend ladders and stairs and work near loud equipment.
• Must be able to see and respond to at-risk situations.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment in industrial locations.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods and move about in office, production, and laboratory environments.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.