Senior Project Manager-R&D New Product Development

Solstice Advanced Materials; Morris Plains (NJ); On-site; USD 145,800 - 182,250; Full time

Job summary

Solstice Advanced Materials in New Jersey is seeking a Senior Project Manager for R&D New Product Development within the Refrigerants and Applied Solutions (RAS) unit. You will lead multi‑year NPD programs from ideation to commercial launch, ensuring schedule, budget, and quality targets are met.

You will coordinate cross‑functional teams with R&D, manufacturing, and ISC, manage risk, prepare phase gates, and communicate progress to senior leadership while driving collaboration and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering (e.g., Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields).
• 6–8 years of experience leading complex, multi‑year new product development programs in a matrix organization.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Manage all activities of the New Product Development Process phases: Ideation, Scoping, Concept, Development, Scale‑up, and commercial launch.
• Oversee and manage operational aspects of ongoing projects, serving as liaison between project management, planning, project team, and cross‑functional teams.
• Develop project plans, risk‑based timelines, and budgets to support project goals, including tracking and monitoring activities.
• Lead cross‑functional teams through risk identification, mitigation, problem resolution, root‑cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action.
• Manage project communications to all stakeholders (project teams, functional managers, and senior management).
• Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements where applicable.

Job description

Senior Project Manager - R&D New Product Development

Responsible for overseeing and ensuring the success of multi‑faceted, highly complex new product development programs within the Refrigerants and Applied Solution (RAS) business unit of Solstice Advanced Materials. This role will drive excellence in product development, scale‑up, and full commercial launch while managing resources, budgets, and project data to support strategic decision‑making.

Responsibilities

• Manage all activities of the New Product Development Process phases: Ideation, Scoping, Concept, Development, Scale‑up, and commercial launch.
• Oversee and manage operational aspects of ongoing projects, serving as liaison between project management, planning, project team, and cross‑functional teams.
• Develop project plans, risk‑based timelines, and budgets to support project goals, including tracking and monitoring activities.
• Lead cross‑functional teams through risk identification, mitigation, problem resolution, root‑cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action.
• Manage project communications to all stakeholders (project teams, functional managers, and senior management).
• Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements where applicable.
• Facilitate daily information exchange between departments and maintain liaison with all project team members.
• Lead the team to prepare for and execute Phase Gate, representing the team with RAS leaders and ensuring decisions are informed by balanced data.
• Build a culture of collaboration, execution, and continuous improvement within the program.
• Leverage technical expertise to partner with R&D, manufacturing, and ISC teams, monitoring development progress and aligning technical deliverables with program timelines.
• Act as key liaison between cross‑functional and external vendors.
• Apply knowledge of specialty materials industries to integrate science and technology into business processes.
• Demonstrate exceptional analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills with strong business, strategic, and financial knowledge.
• Expertise in program management tools and techniques, including progress tracking, risk management, and milestone delivery.
• Understand engineering development life cycles and translate technical inputs into program‑level actions and timelines.
• Exhibit influencing skills and drive accountability within self and others, achieving challenging goals without direct authority.
• Show proven project management experience delivering medium‑ to large‑scale projects from concept through delivery and operations.
• Advocate relentlessly for the customer, making trade‑offs that optimize customer and business value while maintaining program velocity and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering (e.g., Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields).
• 6–8 years of experience leading complex, multi‑year new product development programs delivered through high‑performing cross‑functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced technical degree (M.S., Ph.D.) and/or MBA, with demonstrated ability to bridge technical innovation and business strategy.
• Proven accomplishments in leading new molecule and material projects from ideation through commercialization.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification highly preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel, MS Project, financial modeling, and portfolio management tools (e.g., Planisware).
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams with or without formal authority.
• Strong interpersonal, decision‑making, organizational, and time‑management skills.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $145,800 - $182,250. This range is a general guideline; the final offer may vary based on scope, responsibilities, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Employer‑subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, and EAP
• Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 12 Paid Holidays
• Educational Assistance

EEO Statement

Solstice Advanced Materials is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status. Learn more about inclusion and diversity.

About Solstice Advanced Materials

Solstice Advanced Materials is a leading global specialty materials company that advances science for smarter outcomes. The company offers high‑performance solutions across industries such as refrigerants, semiconductor manufacturing, data center cooling, nuclear power, protective fibers, and healthcare packaging. With over 5,700 patents and 4,000 employees worldwide, Solstice drives innovation in materials science.