Director of R&D - Longmont, CO

R&D Director Qualifications and Experiences

This job requires the occupant of this position to safely formulate, direct, and coordinate all research and development programs.  It will also be expected to introduce new products and processes into overall company strategy and make recommendations for the improvement and cost reduction of existing products and processes.  The Research & Development Director of Gas Technology oversees the dissemination of R&D results to company units, other organizations, and individual managers; oversees all personnel, budget, and reporting functions of the R&D department; and recruits, trains, and evaluates all R&D personnel. In addition, the R&D Director of Gas Technology will direct the research and development of existing and new technologies and products to meet the needs of current and future customers/markets, through active development of materials science, corrosion mitigation, packaging, purification, storage and delivery technologies. This position also requires the R&D director to evaluate and establish new collaborations in areas that are beneficial to the company wherein results and technology can be developed with key partners while minimizing resources consumed through cost and people sharing.  This position also requires managing and maintaining all aspects of the IP portfolio. This includes managing lab notebooks, invention memos, patent applications, patent prosecution, and opinions of non-infringement.  Training of scientist and staff in non-disclosure agreements, trade secrets, and patents is required.  Finally, this position requires development and execution of idea and innovations programs so that new ideas related to new products and new technologies along with cost savings/Six Sigma projects can be identified and implemented throughout the company.  Some more specific areas are identified as follows:

§  Provide tactical and strategic direction for development of new processes, new products, and new technology in the area of materials science, corrosion mitigation, packaging, purification, storage and delivery technologies

§  Generation of ideas and improvements for technology and new products. Defining the key information or data that will be required for product development or to solve problems

§  Development of project plans, timelines and staff and capex budgets,

§  Performs safety and hazard reviews/evaluations and evaluate abatement requirements for experiments.

§  Ensuring that projects are adequately staffed and resourced.

§  Prioritization of R&D project work and selection of personnel to maximize R&D outputs and ensure that project work adheres to timelines and is completed on time.

§  Responsibility for ensuring that project outcomes are regularly communicated with senior management and coordinated with other groups/sections within the company

§  Direct successful handover/transition of R&D and AT projects with Engineering or Operations Department taking over the next phase of projects. Determine closure or termination of R&D projects.

§  Responsibility for staff training in key areas (technical aspects, safety, six sigma, IP, etc.)

§  Review of existing processes and materials and to provide direction and input to improve capabilities. Provide technical and corrective action support to the corporation.

§  Interface and collaborate with customers and third parties. Initiate and contribute to joint development projects on technical aspects.

§  Promote dialogue within holding company via regular technical exchanges

§  Promote technological expertise. Prepare and deliver technical presentation to customers, at public events and related industry conferences.

R&D Director Qualifications and Experience

This position requires the skills necessary to efficiently conduct basic research, product and technology development activities and pilot runs of new or improved products and evaluate the results of laboratory work and pilot programs; prepare progress reports and recommend the expansion or discontinuance of such programs; prepare accurate resource analyses of all development projects and forecast accurate project completion dates; and ensure that each research project is handled with the most economical and feasible methods possible.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering is required with at least 10 years of directly relevant experience
• In-depth knowledge of analytical/instrumental development experience to measure trace impurities in gases in lab or process environments using FTIR spectroscopy, GC, GC/MS, GC-ICP-MS, APIMS, RGA, CRDS and other moisture analysis methods, particle measurement, TGA, etc
• Direct experience with safely handling, delivering, analyzing, processing and abating reactive, corrosive, toxic, and/or pyrophoric gases used in synthesis, purification or related areas. Prior experience with designing gas handling manifolds to conduct gas experiments and/or analysis.
• Experience with gas applications in industry, lab-scale processes, gas synthesis and purification, materials compatibility, micro-contamination, ultra-high purity systems and environments, i.e. use of clean rooms
• Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as organizational and interpersonal qualities.  This must be demonstrated in technical presentations at conferences, executive meetings, technical publications and effective customer interactions.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, collaboration, project management, problem-solving, change management, and influencing skills
• Experience with direct management Sr./Jr. Scientist and Engineers . Resource management, project management, program management, strategic planning, and budgeting experience
• Demonstrated experience working on large, complex development and/or process improvement projects

Education/Background

A Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering is required with at least 10 years of directly relevant experience.  Project management and business administration knowledge such as basic accounting, business performance measurements/analysis, cost analysis, and product marketing is required.  Strong supervisory experience is necessary to develop and cultivate individuals with in the R&D group. Strong personal computer skills utilizing diverse databases and analysis software is essential.

Characteristics of Successful Research and Development Director, Gas Technology

1.     Keep track of multiple projects and priorities in a busy R&D department.

2.     Work frequently with other departments such as marketing, sales, engineering, SHE, etc.

3.     Put in extra time and effort in certain projects when needed to maintain progress.

4.     Switching frequently from one research project to another and make informed, wise, justified decisions.

5.     Keep informed about what’s happening in the world of business R&D and maintain current information on key competitors and key customers.

6.     Adapt quickly to technology and market changes that affect current and future projects.

7.     Adapt and incorporate the strengths of various R&D personnel with disparate personalities to make the group effective and efficient.

8.     Train new R&D personnel thoroughly and quickly in a manner where safety is never compromised.

9.     Identify good ideas and implement and execute this idea within by explaining the idea and building support from other departments.

10.  Assume leadership position within the company to achieve results on a project where you have little or no real authority but can achieve success through cooperation and coordination with other departments.