R&D Tech Lead, Coatings Innovation & NPD

PPG Industries; Delaware; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Life

Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation & Holidays

EAP

Disability/Leave

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

PPG Industries is seeking a highly engaged R&D leader for our Delaware, OH site to drive early development and transition of new coating projects from prototype to commercialization in the Refinish business.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with global teams, and advance digital initiatives, including AI/ML tools, to accelerate innovation while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• PhD with 12+ years industry experience, or BS/MS with 15+ years in chemistry/chemical engineering.
• 6+ years R&D managerial leadership.
• Proven experience in manufacturing, process engineering, product/process design and commercialization.
• Ability to influence executive-level stakeholders and lead without direct authority.
• Strong business acumen and cross-functional integration of Manufacturing, R&D and Business strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal and external partners, including remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety culture and compliant operations across technology labs.
• Manage Workday accountability for 2–3 project teams (5–10 contributors).
• Collaborate with global applications, resin scale-up, manufacturing, ops and procurement.
• Drive speed to market and sustain cross-functional partnerships with minimal direct authority.
• Lead NPD projects in key technology areas and build project plans with staffing resources.
• Develop career plans and growth opportunities for team members.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Team development

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering

Tools

AI/ML tools

Job description

PPG Industries is seeking a highly engaged R&D leader for our Delaware, OH site to drive early development and transition of new coating projects from prototype to commercialization in the Refinish business.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with global teams, and advance digital initiatives, including AI/ML tools, to accelerate innovation while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.