R&D Engineering Manager

IPG; Marysville (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG is seeking an experienced R&D Engineering Manager in Michigan to lead technology development and production integration. You will guide the R&D process team, manage projects, and ensure safe, compliant operations while driving continuous innovation across extrusion, coating, and packaging processes.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and effective communication with multiple stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives and deliver results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field required.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced leadership responsibilities.
• Minimum 10+ years of engineering experience with 3+ years supervisory experience.
• Experience with digital tools supporting digital transformation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Create and sustain a safe work environment; support safety programs and investigations.
• Lead, coach, and develop the R&D process team; set direction and execution rhythm.
• Provide performance feedback and career development to the R&D team.
• Partner with R&D, Operations, Quality, Sales, EHS, and Finance to align priorities.
• Build vendor relationships; conduct evaluations and collaborative prototyping.
• Oversee R&D’s technology pipeline, capital deployment, and asset management.
• Drive continuous innovation; evaluate new technologies and initiate proof-of-concept testing.
• Apply DoE, statistics, and analytics to plan experiments and guide decisions.
• Maintain strong technical documentation: plans, logs, reports, and instructions.
• Use project management to define, plan, schedule, and control tasks.
• Work with a union; promote teamwork and compliance with the CBA.

Skills

R&D leadership

DoE statistics

Data analysis

Project management

Mechanical aptitude

Extrusion & coating

Communication skills

Collaborative style

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Join the IPG Team!

Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Position Description

Title: R&D Engineering Manager

Department: Research and Development

Immediate Supervisor: R&D Director

Status: Exempt

Position Purpose: Responsible for leading the development, transition, and integration of new technologies and process platforms from R&D into production. The R&D Engineering Manager will provide engineering leadership and people leadership to the R&D process team as well as leading process and product development projects.

Principle Accountabilities

• Create and sustain a safe work environment; support safety programs, encourage incident reporting, and support investigations/corrective actions.
• Lead, coach, and develop the R&D process team; set direction, expectations, and an execution rhythm
• Provide performance feedback and career development support to the R&D process team; build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth
• Partner across R&D, Operations, Quality, Sales, EHS, Supply Chain, Finance, and other stakeholders to align priorities and execute project plans in support of strategic corporate initiatives
• Build strong vendor relationships; lead vendor evaluations, technical reviews, and collaboration to accelerate prototyping and problem-solving
• Oversee R&D’s technology pipeline and ongoing capabilities including capital deployment and asset management
• Drive continuous innovation by evaluating new technologies and processes, making recommendations, and initiating proof of concept testing
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE), statistics, and advanced analytics to plan experiments, interpret results, and guide decisions
• Establish strong technical documentation practices; experimental plans, run logs, interpretive reports, work instructions, and clear recommendations
• Utilize project management skills to define, plan, schedule and control the tasks that must be completed to reach project goals
• Ability to work with a union and facilitate teamwork, open communication and compliance to the current collective bargaining agreement

Essential Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field
• Master’s degree in engineering or management is preferred
• 10+ years of engineering experience and 3+ years supervisory experience
• Strong competency with digital tools that support digital transformation and data analysis
• Strong mechanical aptitude with industrial mechanical process systems
• Experience with extrusion, mixing, coating, and packaging process experience is preferred
• Innovative, organized, self-starter with great problem-solving skills
• Collaborative interpersonal style
• Strong technical and non-technical communication skills, including written and verbal reports, and presentations to diverse audiences

Why Choose IPG?

At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.

Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.

With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!

We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.