Head of Non-Basic Research & Development

RHI Magnesita N.V.; York (York County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Training & development

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

RHI Magnesita is seeking a strategic leader to serve as Head of Non-Basic R&D for North America, based in York, PA. You will direct the research, development, and innovation roadmap for non-basic refractory products, partnering with Operations, Supply Chain, and Global R&D to drive growth and manufacturing excellence.

You will lead a team of Research Engineers and a Materials Scientist, shape technology roadmaps, oversee technology transfer, and advance product development from concept through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years in refractory products, advanced ceramics, industrial materials, or related manufacturing.
• 2-3 years of leadership experience managing technical professionals and R&D teams.
• Experience leading product development, technology management, and innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Strong understanding of refractory materials, raw materials, processing technologies, and material characterization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the North American Non-Basic R&D organization, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Drive development and execution of R&D strategies, product roadmaps, and innovation initiatives aligned with regional/global objectives.
• Serve as a gatekeeper in project approvals, ensuring investments deliver business value.
• Guide new product development, process improvement, and technology advancement for Non-Basic portfolio.
• Lead technology transfer across manufacturing sites to support network optimization and continuity.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership to support capacity expansion and cost competitiveness.
• Identify opportunities to standardize technologies and leverage shared capabilities across sites.
• Monitor project performance: timelines, quality, costs, and business impact.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to accelerate innovation and commercialization.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or related field

Job description

Head of Non-Basic Research & Development

Fully On-Site

Head of Non-Basic Research & Development, North America

Location: York, PA

About the Opportunity

RHI Magnesita is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to serve as our Head of Non-Basic R&D for North America. In this role, you will lead the research, development, and innovation strategy for our portfolio of non-basic refractory products, helping drive growth, operational excellence, and customer success across the region.

As a key member of the North American R&D leadership team, you will oversee a talented team of Research Engineers and a Materials Scientist while partnering closely with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, Sales, Technical Marketing, Product Management, and Global R&D teams. You will play a critical role in shaping technology roadmaps, advancing product development initiatives, and leading technology transfer and manufacturing network optimization programs across multiple sites.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is passionate about innovation, advanced materials, and building high-performing technical teams in a global manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and develop the North American Non-Basic R&D organization, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
• Drive the development and execution of R&D strategies, product roadmaps, and innovation initiatives aligned with regional and global business objectives.
• Serve as a gatekeeper within the project approval process, ensuring R&D investments are strategically aligned and deliver measurable business value.
• Guide new product development, process improvement, and technology advancement efforts for the Non-Basic product portfolio.
• Lead technology transfer initiatives across manufacturing sites to support network optimization, operational efficiency, and business continuity.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership teams to support capacity expansion, dual-source strategies, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to standardize technologies, implement best practices, and leverage shared capabilities across the North American manufacturing network.
• Monitor project performance, including timelines, quality metrics, costs, and overall business impact.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to accelerate innovation, commercialize new technologies, and support customers with advanced materials solutions.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• 10+ years of experience within refractory products, advanced ceramics, industrial materials, or a related manufacturing industry.
• 2-3 years of leadership experience managing technical professionals and R&D teams.
• Demonstrated success leading product development, technology management, and innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Strong technical understanding of refractory materials, raw materials, processing technologies, and material characterization methods.
• Experience managing complex project portfolios and prioritizing competing business and technical objectives.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, lead cross-functional initiatives, and build effective partnerships across multiple functions and geographies.
• Strong analytical, project management, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience collaborating with global teams and leading complex technical programs.
• Knowledge of intellectual property management and patent development is preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed to manufacturing sites, customer locations, and R&D centers.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – With company matching to help you plan for your future.
• Paid Time Off
• Training & Development – Access to learning resources and career development programs.
• Inclusive Work Environment – A culture that values diversity, safety, and collaboration.

About RHI Magnesita

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes in a wide range of industries. Serving customers around the world, RHI Magnesita has more than 20,000 employees in 65 main production sites (including raw material sites), 12 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices.

RHI Magnesita’s team in North America helps build refractory products that solve the most extreme manufacturing challenges. From advanced lithium-ion batteries for laptops and EVs and specialized glass on smartphones and tablets, to the steel and cement that build the world around us, our high-performance bricks and linings make it possible to melt, bend, shape, and refine these materials at extreme temperatures.

With a vertically integrated value chain, RHI Magnesita has helped forge the materials that build industries and economies for almost 200 years. Refractory products are essential to the production processes for cement, steel, aluminum, and many other industrial producers in the region.

Come get fired up with our North American team!