Technical Director

CPS, Inc.; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Great work-life balance

Job summary

cps4jobs seeks a Technical Director to lead R&D for adhesives and coatings, guiding product development from concept to commercialization. You will manage scale-up, coordinate with Manufacturing, and deliver data-driven decisions while ensuring safety and quality across the plant and lab environment.

You will build partnerships with suppliers and customers, drive cross-functional projects, mentor teams, and maintain product integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, or a related discipline required; an advanced degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 10+ years of relevant experience in chemical laboratory work, adhesive formulation, testing, product development, and technical problem-solving.
• Demonstrated experience with successful product scale-up and commercialization is preferred.
• Experience leading technical professionals and coordinating cross-functional projects is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, and other polymeric adhesive / coating systems.
• Hands-on understanding of formulation development, analytical and performance testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and ensure appropriate use of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Working knowledge of applicable quality systems, safety practices, industry standards, regulatory considerations, and intellectual property considerations relevant to R&D.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional R&D projects, communicating status, risks, decisions, and resource needs to Management.
• Drive product development from concept through validation, manufacturing scale-up, launch, and commercialization.
• Plan and oversee formulation scale-up and process transfer to Plant Production; collaborate with Manufacturing to resolve production issues and improve quality.
• Provide technical service to customers, investigate issues, communicate findings, and recommend effective corrective actions.
• Build and maintain relationships with raw material suppliers, customers, and external partners; collaborate with customers and OEMs to meet requirements.
• Analyze laboratory and product-performance data, prepare reports and presentations for Management and customers.
• Support continuous improvement, new technology exploration, and potential IP opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Technical problem solving

Communication

Education

B.S. in Chemistry/Polymer Science/Chemical Eng/Organic Chemistry

Advanced degree in Organic Chemistry/Polymer Chemistry or related field

Job description

Technical Director

Small family-owned chemical manufacturer looking for an experienced chemist to join their team and become their new Technical Director. If you have 10+ years of industry experience in epoxy or polyurethane technology, have great leadership skills, like supporting manufacturing and working directly with customers, and do NOT like dealing with corporate red tape, this could be a great opportunity for you. Company offers excellent benefits and great work-life balance! The Technical Director is expected to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, use data to guide decisions, communicate proactively, maintain product integrity and confidentiality, and deliver results aligned with company objectives. Decisions should consider customer requirements, technical feasibility, safety, quality, timing, and available resources. Lead, manage, coach, and develop R&D personnel, establish clear priorities, goals, responsibilities, and performance expectations, and foster a productive, professional, collaborative, and innovative work environment. Translate business and customer priorities into R&D strategies, project plans, measurable objectives, and timelines; prioritize multiple projects and allocate people, equipment, materials, and other resources to maximize business impact without compromising safety or quality. Lead research and development of new products and improve, modify, and troubleshoot existing formulations across the company’s adhesive, coating, sealant, and encapsulation product portfolio. Drive product development from concept and laboratory evaluation through validation, manufacturing scale-up, launch, and commercialization; evaluate results and adjust plans based on technical data and business needs. Plan and oversee formulation scale-up and process transfer to Plant Production; work with Manufacturing to resolve production issues, improve processes, and support consistent product quality and manufacturability. Provide technical service to customers, respond to product-related inquiries and complaints, investigate issues, communicate findings, and recommend effective corrective actions. Build and maintain productive relationships with raw material suppliers, existing customers, prospective customers, and other external technical partners; collaborate with customers and OEMs to understand requirements and develop appropriate solutions. Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects with Manufacturing, Lab, Quality, Sales, and other relevant teams; communicate status, risks, decisions, and resource needs to Management and stakeholders. Analyze laboratory and product-performance data, draw evidence-based conclusions, and prepare clear technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for Management and customers as appropriate. Support continuous improvement, new technology exploration, and identification of product or process innovation opportunities, including potential intellectual property opportunities where appropriate. Ensure laboratory and production equipment is properly maintained, and that laboratory and production work is conducted safely and efficiently. Implement and reinforce applicable safety programs with company policies in the office, laboratory, and plant support compliance with the company’s ISO 9001 and AS9100 quality-system procedures, as applicable. Promote cross-functional communication, teamwork, accountability, attention to detail, reliability, and professional conduct. Adapt priorities and work schedules as business and customer needs require. Perform other duties or tasks as assigned by management.

Salary

Salary $100,000 - $150,000

Benefits

• M/D/401K

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Organic Chemistry, or a related discipline required; an advanced degree in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 10 or more years of relevant experience in chemical laboratory work, adhesive formulation, testing, product development, and technical problem-solving.
• Demonstrated experience with successful product scale-up and commercialization is preferred.
• Experience leading technical professionals and coordinating cross-functional projects is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, and other polymeric adhesive / coating systems.
• Hands-on understanding of formulation development, analytical and performance testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and ensure appropriate use of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Working knowledge of applicable quality systems, safety practices, industry standards, regulatory considerations, and intellectual property considerations relevant to R&D.