Sr R&D Manager, Reinforcement Materials Process Technology Billerica, MA Hybrid

Cabot•Billerica, MA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) is a leading global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Our businesses deliver a broad range of products and solutions to customers in every corner of the globe, serving the transportation, infrastructure, environment and consumer industry sectors. We bring the power of innovative chemistry to solve customers' challenges today while preparing them to meet tomorrow's needs. Our commitment to innovation is driven by a passion to advance our customers' businesses through our deep understanding of their applications and the global trends that impact their operations. If you do not meet every requirement, or your experience is slightly different that what we have listed, we still encourage you to apply! Your Role at Cabot: Cabot has a unique and exciting opportunity for a Senior R D Manager to join the Reinforcement Materials R D team in a process technology leadership role at our Billerica, Massachusetts Technical Center. This role will have responsibility to lead a team of experienced researchers and engineers (Bachelor's to PhD degree) in the development of new process technology for the Reinforcement Materials business. The Senior R D manager will have responsibility for engaging with internal partners such as manufacturing, marketing, IP law, and business strategy, as well as setting objectives for the team, developing process technology roadmaps, managing the project pipeline, and overseeing R D project execution including technology transfer to plants. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys combining their technical background/process development with people leadership in an industrial R D environment. Additionally, this is an ideal role for someone who is eager to bring new process technology from development stage to an industrial plant setting. Reinforcement Materials is Cabot's largest business segment, based on the manufacture and supply of carbon black for tires and other rubber goods. Carbon black is an essential material for the performance of rubber compounds, and its production is a complex combustion aerosol process with many opportunities for innovative technology development to improve production efficiency, increase sustainability, and develop new products. This role is based at the Billerica, MA location, but is eligible to participate in the current Hybrid Working Arrangement program (Monday/Friday remote and Tuesday-Thursday in office). How You'll Make an Impact: We are working on projects to improve product yield and throughput, utilize sustainable and lower cost raw materials, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All are essential to meeting our goals of improved sustainability now and net zero emissions by 2050. These are significant challenges, and you will be an integral part of Cabot's sustainability journey. This position will report to the Senior Technology Director for Reinforcement Materials, and specific responsibilities include:

Requirements

Education & Experience Requirements can be one of the following combinations:
Ph.D. in Chemical/relevant Engineering field plus experience below Plus 8+ years of related experience (industrial R D and process development) in chemical and/or materials industries in an R D environment.
OR Master's degree in Chemical/relevant Engineering field plus experience below Plus 12+ years of related experience in chemical and/or materials industries in an R D environment.
OR Bachelor's degree in Chemical/relevant Engineering field plus experience below Plus 14+ years of related experience in chemical and/or materials industries in an R D environment.
Experience leading/managing technical professionals in an industrial setting is required. 4+ years is preferred.
Prior experience in leading process technology/process R D projects, including process design, piloting, scale-up, and industrialization.
Effective communicator that can listen, engage, and explain complex technical concepts concisely to both technical and business audiences
Ideal candidates will have advanced knowledge and deep understanding of fundamental engineering concepts and principles, and their application to process technology.
Experience with process economic analysis and project valuation.
Ability to mentor and coach others in these areas.
Systematic thinking, able to take a complex situation or new area and quickly focus on appropriate technology, key issues, and critical questions in the context of the bigger picture.
Judgement on feasibility of new concepts and opportunities, and appropriate depth of analysis to support quality decisions.
Strong skills in experimental design, modeling, data management, and data analysis and interpretation.
Able to mentor and coach others in these practices.
Experience in critical aspects of project management to effectively coach and mentor others who manage projects.
Able to recognize when it is necessary to step in and take ownership to ensure the right things happen.

Nice To Haves

Background in the areas of combustion/gasification, gas processes, aerosol processes, and/or particle processing and handling is preferred.

Responsibilities

Effectively manage a team of employees, including project leaders and potentially other managers.
Coach employees, set objectives, and assess people.
Recruit as needed to build an effective team.
Coach project leaders to define project goals and deliverables in alignment with business objectives.
Assess project plans and technical approach of projects led by the team.
Deploy and adjust team resources as needed for effective execution of projects.
Partner with manufacturing and business strategy functions to understand new requirements and challenges to capture opportunities for development.
Support and guide team through portfolio management processes like stage gate.
Provide recommendation on project portfolio, selection, and prioritization.
Ensure that projects meet their objectives and milestones using sound technical judgment and appropriate project management tools.
Lead and guide team in analysis and interpretation of data, preparation of appropriate reports and presentations to senior management, technical groups, and business partners.
Lead overall technical program of significant complexity and scale, including coordination of technical team members and cross-functional support.
Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate projects of varying complexity to safely meet objectives and timeline.
Leverage internal and external resources to drive solutions of technical problems.
Ensure proper scientific methods and tools are used by the team.
Identify and assess potential external technology partners for process technology development.
Accountable for the safety of team, operations, and technology.
Constantly strive for excellence and foster a generative safety culture.
Serve as mentor and advocate to other professionals.
Bring experience and expertise to innovate and develop new process technology for Cabot.
Develop and execute IP strategy for process technology that is aligned with business goals to build a strong IP portfolio.

Benefits

In addition, all positions are eligible for health benefits on the first day of employment, 401K savings plans, vision, dental and annual bonus based on company performance.
Dynamic, Flexible, Hard Working, Team Environment - We are busy, collaborative, growing, and we are doing meaningful work in a diverse team that values different backgrounds and perspectives.
Growth - Cabot's purpose is creating materials that improve daily life and enable a more sustainable future. We need great people to execute this vision and are committed to providing training, peer coaching and support to maximize your ability to grow.
Benefits, Vacation, etc. - We offer an attractive package of benefits and the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule
Feedback - We are committed to giving and receiving feedback in a direct and open fashion.
Support - You are part of a team and deserve to feel encouraged and supported. Our technology is the lifeblood of our business and as a key contributor, your work and thoughts will be valued. You will be part of a team that cares about you personally and professionally.

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