Research Manager

About the role

L&L Products offers a culture that grows talent and flourishes with innovation. It is a place where you are encouraged to take control of your own professional development by using L&L’s extensive training opportunities to craft solutions to the industry’s hottest problems. Here, quality of work, product, and relationships are a priority. As the Research Manager, you will partner with internal and external customers to develop and execute test plans using OEM, industry, and internal standards to validate product performance.

You will report to the Director of Research and Development and oversee a team including Analytical Scientists, Material Testing Analysts, R&D Characterization Senior Technician, R&D Characterization Technical Specialist, Specification Testing Technicians, and R&D Technician.

Responsibilities

• Oversee material testing activities, ensure the quality and accuracy of test results, and obtain customer approval of data.
• Coordinate OEM trial submissions as needed and troubleshoot material issues.
• Manage personnel and project workflows, support laboratory operations and inventory.
• Serve as a technical resource for testing, materials, and OEM requirements.
• Manage iProcurement activities and provide testing support to global regions.
• Coordinate with external laboratories for specialized testing when internal capabilities are unavailable.
• Provide leadership to advance new product offerings and new process methodologies.
• Lead the R&D organization in problem resolution using a basic, principled approach.
• Manage group activities in alignment with the company’s broad technical and commercial goals.
• Develop innovative ideas in materials and processing technology and lead technical groups through exploration.
• Coordinate activities with multifunctional teams to ensure alignment with company-wide goals.
• Maintain global connections within company R&D and cultivate collaboration with academic, governmental, competitive, and supplier communities.
• Lead a group of technical professionals to develop new technologies in products and processes.
• Oversee construction, maintenance, and safety of laboratory workspace and equipment.

Requirements

• BS, MS, or PhD in the sciences, typically in chemical and engineering sciences.
• Experience leading technical programs and/or personnel toward advancement of business goals.
• Experience establishing credibility in the research group and across the business organization.
• Proficiency in scientific methods, laboratory apparatus, and communication skills.
• Ability to foster a collaborative environment in the research community and across corporate functions.
• Comfortable leading in uncertain circumstances or with conflicting viewpoints.

Core Competencies

• Performance Driven
• Communication
• Customer Centric
• Passion/Values
• Innovation
• Safety/Sustainability
• Collaboration
• Leadership

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Occasional carrying up to 30 lbs.
• Occasional pushing/pulling up to 30 lbs.
• Frequent fine finger movement and handling materials.
• Frequent gripping and reaching.
• Occasional climbing stairs/step ladder.
• Continuous sitting.
• Continuous use of computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Frequent standing and walking.
• Occasional bending, stooping, twisting, or balancing.
• Rare crawling, kneeling, and crouching.

Environmental Conditions

• Inside work – continuous.
• Outside work – rare.
• Exposure to hot/cold – occasional.
• Exposure to humid/dry conditions – occasional.
• Exposure to dust/vapor/fumes – occasional.
• Exposure to hazardous machines – occasional.
• Exposure to moving objects – occasional.
• Exposure to sharp hand tools – occasional.
• Exposure to loud noise – occasional.
• Working alone – frequent.
• May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety Glasses, Gloves, Sleeves, and Respirator (Dust Mask).

Benefits

• Excellent total compensation package.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision.
• Onsite medical clinic.
• Generous 401K contributions.
• Top-notch wellness program with a focus on total well-being.