Director of R&D - Konik

Saint Paul, MN | Direct-hire | $140,000-$170,000 (Flexible)| 100% Onsite

Konik is partnering with a local chemical processing company to add an R&D Director to their team. The R&D Director will be responsible for leading all research and development efforts, as well as overseeing the full lifecycle of product innovation from concept through commercialization.

R&D Director Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Develop and drive the R&D strategy to advance product lines, including corrosion inhibitors, packaging solutions, and coatings. Ensure alignment with company goals, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship.
• Project Management: Oversee the R&D pipeline, from early-stage research through to product testing, validation, and market launch. Prioritize projects to optimize resources and meet company timelines.
• Innovation & Product Development: Lead efforts in conceptualizing, designing, and developing new products and technologies that meet market demands and advance our client’s leadership in corrosion protection.
• Technical Expertise & Guidance: Serve as a technical authority in corrosion protection technology, providing scientific and engineering insight to guide product design, testing protocols, and formulation enhancements.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with Sales, Technical Services, and Manufacturing teams to ensure product designs meet customer needs and are manufacturable at scale. Engage with suppliers and external partners for collaborative development and sourcing of new materials.
• Customer & Market Engagement: Support the Technical Services team in communicating product value proposition to customers and partners. Provide insights into the technical benefits and applications of our products.
• Compliance & Quality: Ensure all R&D activities adhere to industry regulations, quality standards, and environmental guidelines, particularly as they relate to sustainable and biodegradable solutions.
• Team Development: Mentor and develop a team of engineers, scientists, and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth.

R&D Director Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline is required; a Master’s or PhD is preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in R&D, with at least 5 years in a technical leadership role. Experience in chemical manufacturing and research laboratory environments is highly valued.
• Technical Skills: Proven expertise in product development, formulation, and testing within an R&D environment. Familiarity with corrosion control, protective coatings, packaging materials, or biodegradable chemistry is a strong plus.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated experience managing R&D teams, with a track record of successful project delivery, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and process improvement.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with industry standards and environmental regulations related to chemical manufacturing and corrosion protection is a plus.

Be the first to learn about future positions by joining our Newsletter and following us on LinkedIn!

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.