Research Project Manager

Copeland LP; Town of Sidney (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Copeland LP in the United States is seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to lead research initiatives from concept through delivery in HVACR compressor and related technologies. You will coordinate R&D projects across engineering, manufacturing, and procurement, aligning with product roadmaps and business goals.

You will define scope, manage timelines, report progress to stewards, and mentor the team while traveling about 5% to support cross-site collaboration and field assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• 5–10+ years of progressive experience in project management within R&D, engineering, or product development for compressors, turbomachinery, rotating equipment, or similar high‑performance systems.
• Strong knowledge of high‑speed rotating equipment, design tools, testing methodologies, and industry standards.
• Proven record leading complex technical projects from concept to prototype/validation.
• Demonstrated mastery of project-management skills such as project planning, risk management, and cross‑functional coordination.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder-management abilities to work with engineers, executives, customers, and global teams.

Responsibilities

• Define overall project scope with clear goals so team members can develop individual project plans outlining required objectives and timelines to meet project deliverables.
• Engage with various business units to identify research opportunities via product roadmaps and future product needs.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment with cross-functional teams, such as procurement and manufacturing, to enable seamless transition of projects from R&D to new product development.
• Conduct competitive analysis, including active review of compressor patents, distribution of patents to interested parties, and participation in patent reviews.
• Provide clear, impactful status reporting to business unit and steering committee leaders, ensuring visibility into progress, risks, and key project outcomes.
• Promote project management best practices within the research team through coaching and mentoring.
• Travel approximately 5% as needed.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional coordination

Technical communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Design tools

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to manage research initiatives from conception to completion, coordinating and guiding R&D projects in compressor and alternative technologies for HVACR applications.

Responsibilities

• Define overall project scope with clear goals so team members can develop individual project plans outlining required objectives and timelines to meet project deliverables.
• Engage with various business units to identify research opportunities via product roadmaps and future product needs.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment with cross-functional teams, such as procurement and manufacturing, to enable seamless transition of projects from R&D to new product development.
• Conduct competitive analysis, including active review of compressor patents, distribution of patents to interested parties, and participation in patent reviews.
• Provide clear, impactful status reporting to business unit and steering committee leaders, ensuring visibility into progress, risks, and key project outcomes.
• Promote project management best practices within the research team through coaching and mentoring.
• Travel approximately 5% as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• 5–10+ years of progressive experience in project management within R&D, engineering, or product development for compressors, turbomachinery, rotating equipment, or similar high‑performance systems.
• Strong knowledge of high‑speed rotating equipment, design tools, testing methodologies, and industry standards.
• Proven record leading complex technical projects from concept to prototype/validation.
• Demonstrated mastery of project‑management skills such as project planning, risk management, and cross‑functional coordination.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder‑management abilities to work with engineers, executives, customers, and global teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vapor compression technologies in HVACR applications.
• PMP certification preferred.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid eligible with a requirement to be in the office at least three days per week. Travel ~5% as needed.

Legal Statements

Work Authorization: This role requires legal U.S. authorization; no sponsorship will be provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: [e-mail]