Materials Science R&D Leader
Stillwater, MN | Direct-hire | $140,000-$160,000 (Flexible)| 100% Onsite
Konik is partnering with a local manufacturing company to add a Materials Science R&D Leader to their growing team. The Materials Science R&D Leader will spearhead a specialized R&D team dedicated to advancing materials development in wood treatment, profile wrapping, and adhesives. This role will guide a team of engineers in creating new or optimizing existing materials and processes for a diverse product portfolio.

Materials Science R&D Leader Responsibilities:

• Oversee the R&D team specializing in wood, wood treatment, profile wrapping, and adhesives.
• Act as the primary technical representative with external suppliers, industry bodies, and trade organizations.
• Manage a diverse project portfolio addressing current business needs and positioning the company for future innovations.
• Coach engineers and technical employees across the organization, fostering growth and skills development.
• Develop and protect intellectual property within the field.
• Actively contribute to cross-functional project teams, providing technical guidance and ensuring project rigor.
• Anticipate and address technical risks within the team’s focus area.
• Serve as a recognized subject matter expert, leveraging in-depth knowledge in materials science to benefit internal business units, customers, and suppliers.
• Work closely with various departments to understand needs and develop technical strategies that deliver competitive advantages.
• Cultivate a collaborative, forward-thinking environment on the team.
• Apply and teach scientific methodologies and tools to resolve complex technical issues (e.g., Design of Experiments, process mapping, capability analysis, FMEA, MSA).

Materials Science R&D Leader Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Composites Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in materials and 3+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Passion for mentoring and guiding team members at various stages in their careers.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, external customers, and suppliers.
• A proactive, data-driven approach to solving complex technical challenges.
• Strong portfolio management skills, with demonstrated success in overseeing and leading teams.
• Deep expertise in materials science, especially wood and adhesives.
• Hands-on experience with chemical processes, materials technologies, and testing methodologies.
• Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive results.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory compliance for wood treatments and adhesives.
• Active involvement with industry advocacy or standards groups (such as WDMA, FGIA).

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Konik is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been creating impactful relationships between technical talent and employers for more than 50 years. Konik has specialized in placing professional, qualified personnel in Minnesota and western Wisconsin businesses since its inception, and maintains a strong commitment to customer service.