R&D Laboratory Lead

WD-40 COMPANY • Montville Township, NJ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The R&D Laboratory Lead directs the WD-40 Company Global Research & Development Laboratory while remaining actively involved in testing, experiments, and technical problem-solving. The role oversees laboratory operations and safety, leads and develops a small team of scientists, evaluates testing requests, and develops new solutions and test methodologies. The position is onsite five days per week, Monday through Friday, at the Technical Center in Pine Brook, New Jersey. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer and must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in an analytical, research, or engineering laboratory, including experience leading or supervising others.
• Demonstrated ability to apply the scientific method to independently plan, execute, analyze, and document laboratory testing and experiments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead a small team and work effectively across cross-functional and global teams.
• Authorization to work for any employer in the United States without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation of the Global R&D laboratory, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, proper equipment care, and efficient management of simultaneous experiments.
• Train R&D Lab Scientists on established procedures, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols; prioritize team workload and perform hands-on laboratory testing alongside the team.
• Evaluate testing requests and advise on testing parameters; plan, communicate, and execute research projects, coordinating internal and external parties to meet timelines and budget constraints.
• Conduct laboratory testing and experiments, manage Global R&D product testing needs, and ensure compliance with testing protocols.
• Collate and analyze data, document test methods and outcomes, and develop testing and research protocols according to established R&D guidelines.
• Identify, design, and implement new test methodologies using scientific principles, and contribute ideas to improve R&D methods and processes.
• Build and maintain relationships with external laboratories and vendors, communicate clearly, and monitor progress against company goals and timelines.
• Take necessary actions to establish and protect intellectual property, including controlling access to information, maintaining confidentiality, and properly keeping laboratory notebooks.
• Monitor laboratory equipment, perform preventive maintenance, and troubleshoot equipment to maintain performance and minimize downtime.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level