Description

R&D Manager

US-VA-Richmond

Job ID: 2026-2743
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research and Development
Afton Chemical

Overview

Provide technical leadership and oversight of Afton's Heavy-Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) R&D team. Implement and ensure the overall effectiveness of our global R&D strategy. Effectively plan and manage a global team, budgets, projects, and test resources to deliver stated objectives and meet the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

1. Tasked with leading the Heavy-Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) R&D team, a group of chemists and engineers in the development of enabling chemistry, new products, and performance testing to meet the needs of customers and OEMs consistent with our business strategy. Responsible for building future, in-depth, fundamental understanding in the HDEO space which we see as key technology drivers for future business. This individual will be tasked with initiating new projects and aligning current research projects with future New Product Development (NPD) projects supporting the Engine Oils Product and Technology Roadmaps.
2. Supervise team member activities and progress, conduct performance appraisals, discuss training and career development needs, recruit and retain team members, and resolve problems and disciplinary issues. Consult with R&D Director and HR as appropriate.
3. Liaise with Afton's Technology Development Team, overseeing the development of new components (as necessary) and other joint research activities. Provide technical leadership to help team members arrive at the best solution for the business. Ensure effective use of Afton's Product Development Process (APDP). Develop new analytical and test methods to characterize products and enable manufacturing capability (as necessary).
4. Can translate internal and external (customer) Marketing plans into actionable and efficient NPD and research plans.
5. Oversee and ensure development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive safety program in assigned area. Areas of accountability include documentation of safety activities, monthly safety meetings, interactive safety inspections, group safety observation programs, safety training, JSA development, active reporting and corrective action programs.
6. Ensure complete ISO documentation is maintained on all ISO or Quality related activities. Participate in ISO/Quality related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the ISO/Quality function.
7. Prepare reports, presentations, monthly highlights and other communications concerning results of laboratory tests or product development progress including next steps and impact on key business initiatives.
8. Facilitate, coordinate, and communicate between cross-functional groups Business, Strategy, Marketing, Customer Technical Service (CTS), Process Development, and Senior Management on team activities.
9. Facilitate, assess, and coordinate IP activities including competitor analysis, portfolio reviews and generation of IP. Ensure freedom to practice developed products & solutions.
10. Represent Afton in industry committees/technical societies/conferences or other meetings.
11. Provide input to and manage the R&D budget. Ensure communication of all scheduling, prioritization, and resourcing decisions to key stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry or Mechanical/ Chemical Engineering
• Demonstrated effective project management and leadership skills in a chemical R&D environment typically acquired with relevant experience. Including supervisory experience.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual's race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, status as a military veteran or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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