Global Director Research Development Engineering

Dura-Line; Clinton (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid vacation time

Paid sick time

Parental leave

Short- and long-term disability leave

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Dura-Line, an Orbia business, seeks a Global R&D Director to lead the worldwide R&D organization. This role oversees product development, materials science, testing, and commercialization, driving innovation across infrastructure markets.

Strong leadership, polymers expertise, and strategic vision are essential to advance the portfolio. The leader will shape global strategy, align with business objectives, and collaborate with executive leadership to deliver growth and sustainable

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in polymer science, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field.
• 15+ years in industrial R&D, polymers, or related leadership roles.
• Experience leading technical teams and scaling organizational capability.
• Proven track record commercializing new products and technologies.
• Strong thermo plastics, extrusion, manufacturing processes, and materials performance.
• Experience with testing methodologies, DOE, statistics, and data-driven decisions.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate with senior leadership.
• Experience supporting global operations and international teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead product, material, formulation, and technology development from concept through commercialization.
• Establish and execute global R&D strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Make final technical decisions on materials, testing, qualification, specs, launch readiness.
• Direct and develop a global R&D team and build technical capability.
• Manage a global portfolio of innovation projects, balancing priorities and budgets.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Commercial, Product Management, and leadership.
• Drive product performance improvements, manufacturing scale-up, and process optimization.
• Translate complex findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Assess capabilities and establish roadmap for future growth.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Thermoplastics knowledge

Extrusion & compounding

Industrial R&D leadership

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Polymer Science / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

Tools

DOE

Statistical analysis

Lab testing methodologies

Job description

Global Director Research Development Engineering (R&D & ENG)

Location: Clinton, TN (Onsite)

Travel: Domestic and International Travel Required

Reports To: Director, Business Development

Build the Future of Innovation at Dura-Line

Dura-Line, an Orbia business, is seeking an experienced Global Research & Development (R&D) Director to lead our global R&D organization and drive the next generation of materials, products, and technologies supporting critical infrastructure markets.

This role will provide technical and strategic leadership across product development, materials science, testing, qualification, commercialization, and innovation initiatives. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in polymers and plastics with strong leadership capabilities, business acumen, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.

About Orbia Connectivity Solutions Dura-Line:

Join Dura‑Line, an Orbia Connectivity Solutions business, where we create solutions that connect people and information across the globe. As a leading global manufacturer of conduit products and accessories, Dura‑Line creates the pathways that power connectivity across a wide range of markets worldwide. Quality, safety, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do, with environmentally responsible practices embedded throughout our manufacturing processes. Be part of our shared mission with Orbia to Advance Life Around the World.

What You'll Do

• Lead product, material, formulation, and technology development from concept through commercialization.
• Establish and execute the global R&D strategy aligned to business objectives and growth initiatives.
• Make final technical decisions related to materials, testing, product qualification, specifications, and launch readiness.
• Direct and develop a team of R&D professionals while building technical capability across the organization.
• Manage a global portfolio of innovation projects, balancing priorities, resources, risks, and budgets.
• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Procurement, Commercial, Product Management, and executive leadership.
• Drive product performance improvements, manufacturing scale‑up, and process optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with suppliers, testing laboratories, certification agencies, customers, and industry partners.
• Translate complex technical findings into actionable business recommendations and executive-level communications.
• Assess laboratory capabilities, technical resources, and innovation priorities to establish a roadmap for future growth.

What Success Looks Like

During the first few months, this leader will:

• Build relationships with key stakeholders and assess team capabilities.
• Review the R&D project portfolio, laboratory operations, testing methods, and technical priorities.
• Evaluate critical risks, resource allocation, and development processes.
• Establish a strategic roadmap to strengthen innovation execution and business impact.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in industrial R&D, polymers, materials engineering, product development, extrusion, or related technical leadership roles.
• Experience leading technical teams and developing organizational capability.
• Demonstrated success commercializing new products and technologies.
• Strong expertise in thermoplastics, polyethylene, extrusion, compounding, manufacturing processes, and materials performance.
• Experience utilizing testing methodologies, DOE, statistical analysis, and data-driven decision‑making.
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional teams and communicate effectively with senior leadership.
• Experience supporting global operations and international teams.
• Experience in infrastructure, plastics, materials, manufacturing, telecommunications, power, utility, or related industries.

The compensation for this position will typically range from $151,000–$200,000 annually. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity.

The compensation package may also include short and long-term incentive compensation.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes

• healthcare coverage
• a 401(k)-retirement savings plan
• paid company holidays
• paid vacation time
• paid sick time
• parental leave
• short- and long-term disability leave
• tuition reimbursement
• an employee assistance program

Orbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.