The Opportunity:
· Lead environmentally-focused New Product Development and manufacturing support projects for decorative plating on plastic; hands-on role
· Well established mid-size private company – technology leader
· Friendly and cheerful culture, high loyalty, low turnover
· Highly visible, vital role – succession position for retiring key employee
What You’ll Do:
· Become an expert in the Company’s current technologies and applications by shadowing the current Electroplating Chemist of 25 years to ensure a stable succession plan.
· Develop best-in-class R&D methods and processes to eventually lead the company in Electroplated Coating technology methods and procedures.
· Provide support to manufacturing for troubleshooting when needed.
· Propose & lead future R&D activities to expand existing product portfolio, maintain and enhance the Company’s position as the leading innovator in the industry.
· Collaborate with Customers, Suppliers, & Industry Groups to ensure successful scale-up, launch, and commercialization of new product developments.
· Stay abreast of emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and potential market opportunities.
The Profile:
· PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Corrosion, Metallurgy, or similar is REQUIRED.
· 1+ years industrial (non-academic) experience REQUIRED, including direct experience in electroplating.
· Strong background in Inorganic Chemistry and/or Electrochemistry preferred.
· Solid understanding of polymer and metal surface modification and characterization preferred
· Comfortable with analytical methodologies, such as HPLC, GC, FT-IR, IC, UV absorption spectroscopy.
· Enjoy being an individual subject matter expert (vs. managing a large team) – this role is a technical track rather than management track, although future supervisory responsibility is possible.
· Adaptable, flexible, with a “Do what it takes” attitude, comfortable in a mid-size company vs. a big corporate culture
· Strong execution and project management skills – you enjoy spearheading initiatives, taking ownership of projects, and influencing/leading others to successful outcomes. Stage Gate or other formal project management experience very helpful
· Cheerful, friendly, and collaborative disposition.
· Willing to live/relocate to the Grand Rapids, MI area.
If you don’t see a position that meets your criteria, send us your resume so we can consider you for confidential roles and future opportunities.
"Thomas Brooke has consistently delivered some of the best and brightest candidates, enabling the rapid development of our key teams."