Technical Director of Application Development

RPM SPG; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Retirement pension plan

Affordable benefits

Job summary

Carboline, a St. Louis-based coatings manufacturer and part of RPM International, seeks a Technical Director of Application Development to lead and advance our product innovation strategy at our R&D Lab.

The role aligns technical resources with corporate priorities, guides projects through stage gates, and ensures innovations translate into customer and business value. Collaboration with Marketing, Commercial, and Executive teams is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of R&D experience and 5 years of supervisory/management experience.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Must pass a Jaeger Eye Test.

Responsibilities

• Leads and develops Laboratory Managers, Group Leaders, Supervisors, and technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Drives product development strategy by aligning resources with objectives and market needs.
• Participates in Stage Gate Process to establish and prioritize corporate projects.
• Oversees project execution and ensures timely delivery of high-impact initiatives.
• Coordinates resolution of product-related issues across business units.
• Partners with Global R&D leadership to set laboratory goals and budgets.
• Assists in evaluating laboratory performance and recommends improvements.
• Delivers technical presentations to customers and industry groups.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Product development

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title

Technical Director of Application Development

Location

St. Louis, MO (On-Site)

Summary

Carboline is seeking a Technical Director of Application Development to lead and advance our product innovation strategy at our Research & Development Lab. This influential leadership role is responsible for aligning technical resources, research initiatives, and corporate priorities to drive business growth and deliver market-leading solutions. Working closely with Marketing, Commercial, and Executive Leadership teams, the Technical Director will oversee the development and commercialization of new technologies, guide projects through the stage gate process, and ensure innovation efforts translate into meaningful value for our customers and the business.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of R&D experience and 5 years of supervisory or management experience required.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, drive cross-functional collaboration, and manage complex product development initiatives.
• Must pass a Jaeger Eye Test.

Physical Requirements

• This position requires minimal physical activity but does require computer usage for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours per day.
• Exposure to chemicals may include, but is not limited to, Amines, Polyamides, Isocyanates, Epoxies, Alkyds, Acrylics, and certain inorganic compounds.
• No unusual lifting or exertion requirements are associated with this position.
• Travel requirement: 10-20%.

Essential Functions

• Leads and develops Laboratory Managers, Group Leaders, Supervisors, and technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drives product development strategy by aligning resources and priorities with corporate objectives and market needs.
• Plays a key role in establishing and prioritizing corporate projects through active participation in the Stage Gate Process.
• Oversees project execution and helps ensure timely delivery of high-impact product development initiatives.
• Coordinates and directs the resolution of product-related issues across all pertinent business units.
• Partners with the Vice President, Global R&D to establish and execute both short- and long-term laboratory goals and objectives.
• Assists in evaluating laboratory performance and recommends organizational improvements to support corporate growth and innovation objectives.
• Provides input and guidance for departmental budgeting and resource planning.
• Communicates laboratory performance, project progress, and development milestones through regular product development reviews.
• Supports talent development initiatives, including technical training, leadership development, succession planning, and employee growth programs.
• Reviews product development data and approves the technical release of new products.
• Conducts regular staff meetings to communicate priorities, initiatives, and organizational updates.
• Reviews and approves or denies requests for the release of proprietary information.
• Participates in RPM technical meetings and facilitates technical collaboration across the organization.
• Supports and champions all Carboline quality initiatives.
• Enhances Carboline's technical reputation through active participation in professional organizations such as AMPP, ASTM, and other industry associations.
• Delivers technical presentations to customers, industry organizations, sales teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Takes an active role in hazard recognition and injury prevention by following all safety rules and regulations and promptly reporting injuries and incidents.
• Follows all environmental regulations to ensure hazardous materials and waste are managed responsibly.
• Receives annual RCRA Hazardous Waste and Carboline Contingency Plan training and adheres to all associated requirements.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to Carboline's safety, quality, and environmental stewardship programs.

Who We Are

Carboline is a St. Louis-based coatings manufacturer with a global reach. The company, founded in 1947, produces high-quality performance coatings, linings, and fireproofing products in more than 20 manufacturing facilities around the world. Carboline has been ranked a top workplace, so culture and maintaining a safe and clean work environment is something we take very seriously. Carboline is part of RPM International Inc., a $7.6 billion, multinational company with subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. From homes and workplaces to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM's market-leading brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world. If you want to be part of a growing global organization with opportunity for growth, we would like to meet you.

What We Offer

We offer a team atmosphere that fosters cooperation and creativity; a management team committed to employee development and an environment where people are empowered to make decisions.

Our career opportunities offer unlimited earnings potential, and our comprehensive benefits package is among the best in the industry which includes affordable benefits, a company match 401K plan and a retirement pension plan.

Carboline is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace.

Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

"In order to be the best, we must hire the best."