DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY

TSE Industries; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Research & Development and Quality to lead innovative projects within their Spec Chem division. This role demands a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in R&D. The successful candidate will oversee multiple projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards while driving product development and strategic initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of chemical formulations and contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on excellence and growth. If you're passionate about chemistry and leadership, this role is a perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or Engineering with 10+ years of experience in R&D.
• Strong background in chemical formulations and analytical lab devices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee R&D programs and ensure quality management compliance.
• Manage product design and development with resource allocation.

Skills

Organic Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Formulations

Polyurethanes Understanding

Analytical Lab Devices

Project Management

Leadership Skills

Safety Training

Chemistry Mathematics

Problem Solving

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Brookfield Viscometer

FTIR

GPC

Titration Equipment

Job description

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY

The Director of Research & Development and Quality will:

Oversee major R&D programs across the Spec Chem division of TSE, exercising technical leadership to coordinate multiple interrelated projects within the constraints of limited resources and changing priorities.

Ensure the division's conformance to the company quality management system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Report directly to the company president, and provide support to all functional directors and managers within the Spec Chem division of TSE.
2. Design and development of products with allocated resources and within allowed budget, making trade-off decisions as appropriate.
3. Implement and maintain the company R&D procedures, reporting on the performance, and initiating improvement for R&D.
4. Manage the Quality function as it relates to root cause analysis using available tools to determine reasons for failed batches, trending data to determine potential future failures, and supporting plant operations in producing successful batches.
5. Interface with customers regarding formulations, scale up, and development.
6. Manage staff for on-boarding, and scale up process for customer directed formulas.
7. Develop and/or review technical agendas and timelines for all R&D projects.
8. Recommend resource allocation to accomplish projects according to plans. Consistently communicate progress and propose appropriate changes in timeline, objective, or direction.
9. Oversee existing R&D facility; maintain close communication with the analytical lab staff.
10. Lead project teams through chemistry reformations, new product development, and factory integration activities.
11. Carry out complex research experiments, analyze substances, and test products for various standards.
12. Collaborate closely with Purchasing for the procurement of raw materials required for all R&D projects.
13. Approve Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for new chemical raw materials.
14. Lead and develop strategic initiatives in R&D to drive revenue and growth.
15. Utilize strong, professional communication (oral and written), organizational, and leadership skills.
16. Utilize strategic thinking, and innovative thinking/problem-solving methods.
17. Set goals and provide positive and constructive feedback, in a respectful manner, to build positive relationships and improve business results.
18. Mentor and ensure continued technical and professional growth of the R&D, and Quality Engineering team members; encourage efforts towards excellence and knowledge sharing.
19. Provide R&D efforts to enhance current products and develop new technologies and products.
20. Obtain R&D contracts and funding. Develop test capabilities to support R&D and production test requirements.

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the core job responsibilities.

Teamwork is essential for TSE's continued success, so Teamwork is an essential function every employee's job. Teamwork drives positive results every day.

Teamwork promotes positive customer relations and results in exceeding the expectations of our customers. Teamwork benefits every employee since it grows our business and increases our sales. With Teamwork, we all succeed. Without it, we all suffer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a minimum of ten years of related work experience.
2. Five to seven years of experience specific to chemical formulations, and strong understanding of polyurethanes.
3. Working knowledge of analytical lab devices, such as the Brookfield viscometer, FTIR, GPC, and titration equipment.
4. Demonstrated understanding and familiarity with applicable government regulations and general chemistry guidelines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

In-depth working knowledge of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) chemistries, reactive hot melt chemistry, and raw material offsets.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Minimum of ten years of broad technical experience, including three to five years of professional experience in an industrial R&D environment.
2. Five to seven years of experience specific to chemical formulations, and strong understanding of polyurethanes.
3. Proficiency in chemistry mathematics, biology, and engineering principles, and chemical mixing technology.

MANAGERIAL EXPERIENCE

Five or more years' experience in managing complex projects, and managing and mentoring technical personnel. These experiences should be gained in areas of R&D and should include a minimum of two years in R&D management.

SAFETY TRAINING

To perform this job successfully, an individual must complete and maintain Safety Training according to the Safety Training Matrix.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the core job responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the core job responsibilities.

Normal demands of an office work environment.

Note: This position requires applicants to successfully pass a pre-employment, as well as an annual pulmonary function test, (PFT). This position may expose the employee to isocyanates which are chemicals known to be respiratory irritants and sensitizers. While TSE provides personal protective equipment, (PPE) to its employees working around such chemicals, the most current and best available medical data indicate that individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions including but not limited to asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and the like are at high risk of experiencing serious, and possibly fatal reactions to isocyanates, even at concentrations below the legally permissible exposure level (PEL). Therefore, due to this direct threat to their safety, TSE does not hire individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions to work in this position. Likewise, TSE does not employ individuals who smoke substances of any kind, to work in this position.