Product Development Manager

Saint-Gobain’s Specialty Grains & Powders is looking for a driven, talented, and experienced formulation scientist to join our current team in conducting research, developing products, and leading a scientist team.

Projects will focus on formulation development, product improvement as well as managing R&D lab activities related to Saint-Gobain extensive product line for Surface Conditioning.

The candidate will be expected to lead R&D projects in the areas of wet chemistry based formulations for various industrial and electronic applications.

The candidate is expected to collaborate effectively with R&D colleagues create and execute project plans, design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and present findings in written and oral formats.

Candidate is also expected to play a role in proposing projects and programs vital to the R&D direction of the group.

In addition to the candidate’s primary projects, the candidate will be expected to manage R&D lab activities and/or supervise R&D personnel.

• Serve as a technical leader and SME (Subject Matter Expert) on wet chemistry, surface chemistry as well as colloidal science, which is the core knowledge base required in this role
• Lead fast paced cross function projects driven by customers to develop new and improved products and help customers solve their engineering problems
• Manage wet chemistry lab day to day activities including supplies management, instrument maintenance, employee training, customer sample management and coordination.

• Depending on candidates’ fit, the job scope can be further expanded to include supervisory responsibilities in which the candidate will resume managerial responsibilities of junior staff and be responsible for coaching, guiding and developing junior talents on the team.

• Extensively utilizes research and/or project experiences and broad expertise of materials, processes, techniques, and products to improve on or develop products, increase performance, or reduce costs, in order to maximize production.

• Stays aware of new technology applications and competitive uses of same in work with materials, products and processes, and in development of new knowledge.

• Manages multiple projects simultaneously, on time, well documented and within budget to meet business and customer objectives.

• Demonstrates open and collaborative approach in all areas of responsibility.

• Seeks out others to enhance and streamline development and decision making.

• Able to communicate technically with internal competencies and university collaborators and utilize knowledge to advance projects and identify productive synergies.

• Requires minimal assistance and guidance on administrative and technical aspects of role.

• The technical assistance required on only the more difficult problems.

• Continuously and reliably carries projects through to completion with little assistance from supervisor.

• Keeps project teams on track with project timeline and budget.

• Major problems and approval for major expenditures are referred to supervisor.

• Able to communicate and use business language in an industrial environment and coordinate with plant operations.

Essential Functions Include: 30% Continuously and reliably carries projects through to completion with little assistance from supervisor.

Requires minimal assistance and guidance on administrative and technical aspects of role.

Projects involve the extension of present or new technology in one or more areas, involving improvement and/or development of processes and testing techniques.

Projects are assigned by supervisor and are several weeks to months in duration.

10% Upon approval, incumbent is responsible for equipment purchases, prototype development, supervision of project team and compilation of results and recommendations.

10% Manages and documents projects effectively.

Data and results to be presented in oral and written form.

Includes the generation of project timelines/plans, technical memos, research reports, and presentations to internal customers, project teams, and/or management.

20% Lead a small group of engineers/technicians (admin work, support on technical aspect and provide guidance).

Incumbent defines the associated tasks and milestones for research, and proposes the technical approach, cost estimates, and timeline.

10% Participate in the identification and execution of group strategies & execute by identifying sub-projects related to the execution of the group strategy.

20% Manage R&D lab activities including supplies management, instrument maintenance, employee training, customer sample management and coordination REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education Level: BS Degree with a minimum of 12 years’ experience, or MS with 7 years of experience, or PhD with 3 years plus demonstrated technical judgment/accomplishments.

Education: Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Material Science or other related disciplines.

Practical/Technical Knowledge: Preferred Understanding of current technology of polishing applications, polishing consumables, Basic knowledge of technology implementaiton tools – FMEA, Process Control chart, and understanding techno-commercial and techno-legal aspects of new product / process implementation.

Required Understanding of wet chemistry and surface/colloidal chemistry & statistical and analytical data analytical tools.

• Must possess a body of technical work commensurate with their years of experience including but not limited to: demonstration of familiarity with wet chemistry, new product development, data analysis, IP, Patents, and technical document.

• Demonstrated ability to give and receive constructive feedback.

• Demonstrate ability to network within and out of group.

• Respectful communication and ability to collaborate in a team environment required.

• Demonstrate ability to network within and out of group.

• Develop ability to maintain composure and organize teams in high pressure situation.

• Demonstrate understanding of company policies
• Demonstrate understanding of corporate structure