Research & Development Manager

Baker Hughes • Sugar Land, TX

1d

About The Position

The Research and Development Manager will lead the Upstream Chemicals R&D Group within the Technical Advisory Council Leader organization. This role is accountable for disciplined project management and execution across Flow Assurance, Integrity Management, and Production Optimization for Technology Development, Product Development, and Research Development projects. The position will manage a team of scientists and technicians, ensuring R&D priorities are aligned with business needs, customer challenges, Portfolio Management, Product Commercialization/Optimization, Technical Advisors/SMEs, and regional technical teams. The role is expected to strengthen R&D execution, improve project visibility and accountability, accelerate high-impact innovation, and develop technical talent within the R&D organization. This leader will help translate regional voice-of-customer input and product line priorities into executable project plans while maintaining focus on safety, quality, cost discipline, and measurable technology outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 7+ years of relevant experience in R&D, technology development, product development, engineering, or upstream chemicals.
• OR Master’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience in R&D, technology development, product development, engineering, or upstream chemicals.
• Demonstrated experience managing technical projects, innovation programs, or product development activities.
• Strong project management skills, including prioritization, planning, milestone management, risk management, and cross-functional execution.
• Ability to manage multiple technical projects across diverse product lines and stakeholders.
• Strong technical understanding of upstream production chemicals, laboratory development, product qualification, or field application requirements.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop technical personnel.
• Excellent communication, organizational, planning, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence R&D, technical advisors, portfolio teams, regional teams, and business stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and operational discipline.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years of direct leadership or managerial experience preferred.
• Experience with Flow Assurance, Integrity Management, and/or Production Optimization chemistry programs.
• Experience managing TD, PD, RD, or similar stage-gated technology/product development projects.
• Experience working with Clarity, PDM, product qualification workflows, or similar project governance systems.
• Experience translating customer, regional, or portfolio needs into executable R&D project plans.
• Strong business acumen and ability to connect technical work to commercial outcomes, product competitiveness, cost optimization, and customer value.
• Ability to operate in a matrixed global organization and align priorities across Technology, PLM, PCO, Sales, Service Delivery, and regional technical teams.
• Demonstrated ability to create structure, accountability, and transparency in complex technical organizations.
• Ability to mentor scientists, build technical capability, and strengthen succession depth within the R&D organization.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Leading project management across Flow Assurance, Integrity Management, and Production Optimization for TD, PD, and RD projects.
• Owning the R&D operating rhythm, including project prioritization, milestone tracking, resource planning, risk management, and regular progress reviews.
• Ensuring R&D projects are aligned with the Technology Roadmap, Portfolio Management priorities, regional needs, and customer-driven opportunities.
• Managing, coaching, and developing scientists and technicians within the R&D Group, including performance management, competency development, succession planning, and career growth.
• Driving disciplined execution of innovation projects from idea intake through laboratory development, validation, qualification, field trial planning, and commercialization support.
• Partnering with Technical Advisors, SMEs, PLM, PCO, regional technical teams, and Service Delivery to convert customer and regional needs into actionable R&D programs.
• Establishing clear project accountability, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics for R&D programs across the product portfolio.
• Supporting the development of new chemistries, product improvements, cost optimization opportunities, and product competitiveness initiatives.
• Maintaining visibility to R&D capacity and resource allocation to balance long-term innovation, urgent business needs, and technical support requirements.
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensure laboratory activities are executed in accordance with applicable HSE, quality, and operational standards.
• Managing operational and capital expenditure planning for the R&D Group, ensuring resources are deployed effectively against strategic priorities.
• Improving documentation, knowledge capture, technical rigor, and consistency across R&D workflows and project reviews.
• Supporting external collaborations, joint development opportunities, vendor engagement, and third-party testing where appropriate to accelerate technology development.
• Communicating project status, risks, resource needs, and business impact clearly to the Technical Advisory Council Leader and relevant stakeholders.
• Leading special projects as assigned in support of Upstream Chemicals Technology strategy.

Benefits

• Contemporary work-life balance policies and wellbeing activities
• Comprehensive private medical care options
• Safety net of life insurance and disability programs
• Tailored financial programs
• Additional elected or voluntary benefits
• Company-sponsored benefit programs, including health & welfare programs and the Thrift Plan (401k)
• Choice of coverage options that best suit your needs
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package
• Additional forms of compensation such as bonuses subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans or policies

What This Job Offers

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