R&D Manager, Refractories & Ceramics (NA)

RHI Magnesita N.V.; York (York County); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Training & Development

Inclusive Work Environment

Job summary

RHI Magnesita is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to serve as our R&D Manager, Alumina-Silica Refractories & Ceramics in North America. You will guide research, development, and innovation strategy for non-basic refractory products across multiple sites.

The role leads a team of Research Engineers and a Materials Scientist, partnering with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, Sales, and Global R&D to shape roadmaps and drive manufacturing network optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline is required.
• 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 and innovation initiatives from concept to commercialization.
• Knowledge of refractory materials, raw materials, processing technologies, and material characterization.
• Travel to manufacturing sites and customers as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead the North American Non-Basic R&D organization and foster innovation and technical excellence.
• Develop and execute R&D strategies, product roadmaps, and innovation initiatives.
• Gatekeeper for project approvals, ensuring investments deliver measurable business value.
• Guide new product development, process improvements, and technology advances for Non-Basic portfolio.
• Lead technology transfer across sites for network optimization and continuity.
• Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, and Plant Leadership to support capacity, dual-sourcing, risk mitigation, and cost competitiveness.
• Standardize technologies and share capabilities across the North American manufacturing network.
• Monitor project performance including timelines, quality, costs, and business impact.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to commercialize new technologies and support customers.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder influence

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Materials Science, Ceramic, Metallurgical, Chemical or related)

Job description

RHI Magnesita is seeking a strategic and innovative leader to serve as our R&D Manager, Alumina-Silica Refractories & Ceramics in North America. You will guide research, development, and innovation strategy for non-basic refractory products across multiple sites.

The role leads a team of Research Engineers and a Materials Scientist, partnering with Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Supply Chain, Sales, and Global R&D to shape roadmaps and drive manufacturing network optimization.