Vice President - Research & Development - Polymer Composites & Advanced Materials (12-20 yrs)

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:

- Develop and implement the R&D strategy for the polymer composites division, aligning with company goals and market demands.

- Lead innovation initiatives in the development of next-generation composite materials, including carbon fiber, epoxy resin systems, and other advanced polymers.

- Evaluate emerging technologies and trends in the composites industry to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

- Define and manage the R&D budget and resources to optimize investment in new technologies and product development.

2. Research & Development Management:

- Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians in the development and testing of advanced composite materials and manufacturing techniques.

- Oversee R&D projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring timely delivery, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

- Foster collaboration with internal teams (e.g., product development, manufacturing, quality control) to ensure seamless integration of new materials and processes into existing production systems.

- Establish and monitor KPIs to assess project progress, identify risks, and adjust plans as necessary.

3. Advanced Materials Expertise:

- Provide deep technical expertise in polymer composites, particularly carbon fiber and epoxy resin, and guide the development of high-performance materials for various applications (e.g., aerospace, automotive, construction, marine, etc.).

- Lead efforts to optimize advanced manufacturing techniques such as pultrusion, filament winding, resin infusion, and other innovative processes.

- Assess material properties, durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact to ensure compliance with industry standards and customer specifications.

4. Collaboration & External Partnerships:

- Build and maintain relationships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners to foster collaboration and leverage external research.

- Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and technical forums to stay abreast of industry trends and network with potential collaborators.

- Identify and pursue opportunities for intellectual property (IP) development and patent filings to protect and commercialize innovations.

5. Product Innovation & Commercialization:

- Work closely with the product management and marketing teams to identify new market opportunities for advanced composite materials and ensure the successful commercialization of R&D outcomes.

- Provide technical support to sales and marketing teams, offering insights into product performance and material capabilities.

- Assist in the development of customized material solutions for key customers or market segments, based on customer needs and performance requirements.

6. Team Development & Leadership:

- Build and mentor a high-performing R&D team with a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

- Provide leadership in talent development, ensuring that the team remains at the forefront of advancements in polymer composite technologies.

- Foster a work environment that promotes continuous learning, professional growth, and technical expertise.

Experience:

- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in R&D leadership roles, specifically in the field of polymer composites or advanced materials, with a proven track record in leading teams and managing complex projects.

- Extensive experience with advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber, epoxy resins, and knowledge of their properties and applications.

- Hands-on experience with key composite manufacturing processes, including pultrusion, filament winding, resin infusion, and other advanced molding or processing techniques.

- Strong background in material performance testing, failure analysis, and quality control for composite materials.

- Proven success in driving innovation from concept to commercial application, with a demonstrated ability to transition new technologies into production.

- Experience working in highly regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive, defense) is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

- Expertise in polymer chemistry, composites manufacturing, and advanced materials testing.

- Strong project management skills, including budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management.

- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and manage cross-functional teams.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously.

- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically while maintaining attention to detail.

- Familiarity with industry standards and regulations for composite materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., ASTM, ISO, SAE).

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

- Experience with sustainability initiatives in advanced materials (e.g., recyclable composites, bio-based resins).

- Track record of patent filings or contributions to the scientific literature in the field of polymer composites.

- Proficiency in composite simulation tools, material testing, and failure analysis software.