Lead R&D Scientist

Sotalent; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotalent is seeking a Lead R&D Engineer/Scientist to drive process development and commercialization for advanced materials and specialty chemicals. You will lead initiatives across R&D, engineering and manufacturing to scale new products and improve existing processes.

The role combines R&D, process engineering and commercialization, requiring strong analytical, leadership and communication skills to deliver scalable solutions and cost improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience in R&D, process development or related technical discipline.
• Experience scaling or improving chemical manufacturing processes.
• Ability to lead technical projects from development through commercialization.
• Strong understanding of process optimization, troubleshooting and scale-up.
• Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing and engineering teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; strong project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead process development and optimization projects from R&D through commercialization.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to support new products and productivity initiatives.
• Translate laboratory findings into scalable manufacturing solutions.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, engineering, manufacturing and other technical stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency, quality, reliability and cost.
• Provide technical leadership on complex development and process improvement projects.
• Support technology transfer and scale-up activities for new products.
• Analyze process data and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across operations.

Skills

R&D

Process Development

Process Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Scale-Up

Data Analysis

Project Leadership

Technical Communication

Education

Chemical Engineering

Chemistry

Job description

Lead R&D Engineer / Scientist – Process Development & Commercialization

Industry: Specialty Chemicals / Advanced Materials / Chemical Manufacturing

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: Not specified

About the Role

A global advanced materials and specialty chemicals organisation is seeking a Lead R&D Engineer / Scientist to lead process development, optimisation and improvement initiatives supporting new product commercialization and manufacturing productivity.

The role combines R&D, process engineering and commercialisation, working across technical and manufacturing teams to scale new products and improve existing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead process development and optimisation projects from R&D through commercialization.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to support new products and productivity initiatives.
• Translate laboratory and technical findings into scalable manufacturing solutions.
• Work cross-functionally with R&D, engineering, manufacturing and other technical stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency, quality, reliability and cost.
• Provide technical leadership on complex development and process improvement projects.
• Support technology transfer and scale-up activities for new products.
• Analyse process data and develop practical, sustainable solutions to technical challenges.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation across manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• Strong experience in R&D, process development, chemical engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience developing, scaling or improving chemical manufacturing processes.
• Ability to lead technical projects from development through commercialization.
• Strong understanding of process optimisation, troubleshooting and scale-up.
• Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, manufacturing and engineering teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related scientific/engineering field.

Key Skills

R&D | Process Development | Process Engineering | Chemical Engineering | Specialty Chemicals | Advanced Materials | Product Commercialization | Scale-Up | Process Optimization | Manufacturing | Technical Leadership | Continuous Improvement | Troubleshooting | Product Development | Technology Transfer | Data Analysis | Project Management | Chemical Manufacturing