What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. R&D Scientist position at RCM Technologies, Inc.?
Title: R&D Scientist Lead
Compensation: $110,000 plus bonus & benefits, commensurate with experience. Ownership Program (Equity)
Location: Southwest of Boston (On-site)
Company Description:
Our client is recognized as a leading manufacturer of protective materials for high reliability applications throughout the world. If you are looking for an incredibly stable company that continues to show outstanding expansion to new markets, then apply now. This is your chance to put your talents and experience to work for a company that offers excellent personal growth, great benefits and support. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity before someone else does.
Position Description:
The R&D Group Lead will oversee a small team responsible for the development of liquid-applied coatings, pressure-sensitive tapes, and membranes for the Corrosion Protection & Waterproofing business unit. This role manages New Product Development (NPD) projects, ensuring they meet performance criteria, timelines, and commercialization goals. The Group Lead will also play a key role in R&D leadership, collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to support innovation and business growth.
Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership & Project Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Corrosion Protection & Waterproofing R&D team.
- Oversee new product development, scale-up, and field testing, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Manage project timelines, adjusting priorities as needed to meet strict deadlines.
- Support cross-functional collaboration in technology transfer, pilot plant trials, and commercialization efforts.
- Technical Expertise & Innovation
- Apply expertise in polyurethane, epoxy, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and other coatings technologies.
- Support the sourcing and qualification of new raw materials.
- Work in close association with Sales, Marketing, Supply chain and Operations teams.
- Identify and assess potential new product development opportunities with Marketing and Commercial teams.
- Manufacturing & Quality Support
- Assist Operations and Quality teams across multiple manufacturing sites (travel: 10-25%).
- Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 quality standards and participate in internal, external, and customer audits.
- Promote and uphold safety standards at the Westwood R&D site.
- Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Participate in R&D leadership initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
- Track and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and project updates to senior leadership.
- Engage in cross-functional work teams within our client's business units.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading R&D teams and manage product development projects.
- Strong knowledge of coatings, adhesives, and regulatory standards.
- Experience with Stage Gate processes and project management methodologies.
- Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Willingness to travel (up to 25%) for manufacturing support and product trials.
Education & Certifications:
- Master's or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
Benefits:
- Discretionary Bonus
- Ownership Program (Equity)
- 401K
- Medical / Dental / Vision
Equal Opportunity Statement:
RCM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Pay Transparency:
RCM believes in transparency and fairness in compensation. We are committed to providing our employees with competitive salaries that reflect their skills, experience, and contributions to our organization. As part of our commitment to pay transparency, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about our compensation practices.
Disclaimer:
This job posting is intended to describe the general nature and the level of the work to be performed. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. RCM reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
About RCM:
RCM is a leading provider of Business, IT, and Engineering Services to over 1,000 clients in the commercial marketplace. RCM partners with clients to define, implement and manage a broad range of technologies across multiple platforms, systems, and networks. Our broad geographic presence ensures that a proven and reliable tactical and strategic capability is available and deployable virtually everywhere in North America.
