Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations
About The Position
RH is seeking a dedicated, innovation-focused Senior Research & Development Specialist to drive material innovation while preserving Formations’ historical aesthetic. The role is based primarily at the Formations manufacturing facility in Torrance, California, and reports directly to the Formations General Manager and Chief Operating Officer. It offers the opportunity to work directly with Formations Co-Founders Richard Hallberg and Dan Cuevas. The specialist translates historical design precedents into scalable luxury collections, researches period objects and materials, evaluates samples and production, and coordinates material testing and manufacturing feasibility. The role works closely with creative, production, and operational leaders to maintain quality, track development milestones, and keep design and manufacturing aligned.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of experience in product development, R&D, or engineering within luxury furniture, antiques, or architectural industries.
- Deep knowledge of 18th- and 19th-century design movements, including Georgian, Regency, and Louis XVI, and their period-specific materials.
- Exceptional visual acuity, including the ability to distinguish modern machine finishes from hand-applied 19th-century finishes.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with executive designers, operational leaders, master artisans, and shop foremen.
- Sophisticated project management skills, including budget tracking, timeline adherence, and quality control.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Furniture Design, Wood Science and Technology, Architecture, Art History, or a related technical field.
Responsibilities
- Model RH’s Vision, Values and Beliefs.
- Partner with the Formations Co-Founders to execute their creative vision and translate historical design precedents into scalable luxury collections.
- Research 18th- and 19th-century museum pieces and develop material specification sheets for new collections.
- Oversee weathering tests for outdoor stone and iron components to validate structural performance under modern climate conditions.
- Review and approve samples of hardware, mirror glass, and wood carvings, providing feedback on period-correct proportions, textures, and patinas.
- Collaborate with the Finishing Shop Foreman to confirm raw materials are compatible with proprietary paints, waxes, and patinas.
- Troubleshoot technical defects, including wood warping and natural stone variation, to uphold luxury quality standards.
- Audit active production lines to preserve traditional textures, joinery, and hand-applied character.
- Coordinate between the Torrance production floor and creative meetings in West Hollywood to keep design and manufacturing aligned.
- Keep the Formations General Manager and COO informed about project timelines, resource needs, manufacturing feasibility, and budget parameters.
- Track product development cycle time, milestone completion, and first-pass quality yield to support continuous improvement in R&D.
- Lead material testing compliance for newly developed outdoor composites and ensure structural and weathering protocols are fully executed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
