Product Developer

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a global manufacturer of materials headquartered in the United States. This organization has a highly technical and broad portfolio of specialized and sustainable material solutions that help their customers - and our planet - be more sustainable. They transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world.

Role Summary

This role will drive the development of next-generation unidirectional composites, translating scientific knowledge into practical, commercially viable products. Key objectives include improving ballistic protection, reducing the weight of customer solutions, and optimizing manufacturing efficiency and product cost.

The successful candidate will contribute across the full product development lifecycle—from initial concepts and feasibility studies through development, production trials, and commercial scale-up.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop new composite materials and products that meet performance, weight, cost, and manufacturing requirements.
• Lead or contribute to applied and fundamental research projects that advance material capabilities and product performance.
• Plan and execute experiments, production trials, and scale-up activities.
• Provide hands-on technical support to troubleshoot production challenges and improve manufacturing processes.
• Propose and execute development projects, including associated investment proposals, while managing timelines and budgets.
• Evaluate and engage potential suppliers of critical raw materials and new equipment.
• Monitor scientific, industrial, and commercial developments to identify opportunities and inform research priorities.
• Build technical knowledge within the R&D team through collaboration, professional networks, and information sharing.
• Identify intellectual property opportunities and risks, contribute to patent development, and support the protection of proprietary technologies.
• Maintain compliance with applicable safety, health, environmental, security, and operational requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Master’s or PhD in engineering or materials science preferred. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and more than five years of relevant experience, or demonstrated ability to work at an equivalent academic level, will also be considered.
• Ideally, 3–10 years of relevant experience in an academic or industrial research and development, product development, manufacturing, engineering, process development, technical consulting environment.
• Expertise in textile or yarn manufacturing, materials science, or related composite development.
• Strong motivation to translate scientific understanding into practical applications and commercial products.
• A hands-on approach to experimentation, manufacturing support, and technical problem-solving.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills, with knowledge of statistics and experimental design considered an advantage.