Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations

RH; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RH is seeking a dedicated Senior Research & Development Specialist to drive material innovation at our Formations Manufacturing facility in Torrance, CA. You will collaborate with Formations Co-Founders and senior designers to translate centuries-old design precedents into scalable luxury collections.

This role focuses on 18th–19th century materials, weathering tests, and ensuring period-accurate finishes across hardware, glass and wood carvings, while coordinating with West Hollywood design

Qualifications

• 7+ years in product development, R&D or engineering within luxury furniture/arts/architectural sectors.
• Expert knowledge of 18th-19th century design movements and period materials.
• Ability to assess finishes: machine vs hand-applied patinas; strong visual acuity.
• Degree in a technical design field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Translate creative visions into scalable luxury collections.
• Develop material specification sheets for new collections.
• Oversee weathering tests and validate material performance in climate conditions.
• Review samples for period-accurate proportions, textures and patinas.
• Coordinate with production and design leaders to align materials with paints, waxes and patinas.
• Troubleshoot defects to uphold luxury quality standards.
• Audit production lines to preserve traditional textures and joinery.
• Support timelines, budgets and feasibility across R&D initiatives.
• Lead material testing for outdoor composites and weathering protocols.

Skills

R&D experience

Luxury furniture knowledge

Design trend analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Materials Science

Furniture Design

Wood Science and Technology

Architecture

Art History

Job description

RH is seeking a dedicated and innovation-focused Senior Research & Development (R&D) Specialist to drive material innovation while serving as the ultimate guardian of our historical aesthetic. Based primarily out of our Formations Manufacturing facility in Torrance, CA, this position reports directly to the Formations General Manager and Chief Operating Officer (COO), while offering a rare opportunity to work directly with legendary interior designers and Formations Co-Founders, Richard Hallberg and Dan Cuevas.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Live and model Our Vision, Values and Beliefs every day.
• Partner directly with Formations Co-Founders to execute their creative vision, translating centuries-old design precedents into scalable luxury collections
• Research 18th and 19th century museum pieces to develop comprehensive material specification sheets for new collections
• Oversee weathering tests for outdoor stone and iron components to validate structural performance across modern climate conditions
• Review and approve physical samples of hardware, mirror glass and wood carvings, providing precise feedback on period-correct proportions, textures and patinas
• Collaborate daily with the Finishing Shop Foreman to confirm raw materials align with proprietary paints, waxes and patinas
• Troubleshoot technical defects, including wood warping and natural stone variation, to uphold luxury quality standards
• Audit active production lines to preserve traditional textures, joinery and hand-applied character
• Coordinate between the Torrance production floor and creative meetings in West Hollywood, keeping design and manufacturing aligned
• Keep the Formations General Manager and Chief Operating Officer informed on project timelines, resource needs, manufacturing feasibility and budget parameters
• Track product development cycle time, milestone completion and first-pass quality yield to drive continuous improvement across R&D initiatives
• Lead material testing compliance for newly developed outdoor composites, ensuring full execution of structural and weathering protocols

WHAT YOU BRING

• 7+ years of experience in product development, R&D or engineering within luxury furniture, antiques or architectural industries
• Deep, authoritative knowledge of 18th and 19th century design movements, including Georgian, Regency and Louis XVI, and their period-specific materials
• Exceptional visual acuity, with the skill to distinguish instantly between a modern machine finish and a hand-applied 19th century finish
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Furniture Design, Wood Science and Technology, Architecture, Art History or a related technical field is preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills with natural ease interfacing with executive designers, operational leaders, master artisans and shop foremen
• Sophisticated project management skills with precision in budget tracking, timeline adherence and quality control

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Based primarily onsite at the Formations manufacturing facility in Torrance, California, with periodic travel to West Hollywood
• Extended periods on the production floor, including close visual inspection of materials, samples and finished components
• Frequent movement throughout the manufacturing facility to audit production lines and partner with shop leadership