The Role
Lead R&D for monolithic refractory and specialty products: develop new offerings, support existing products, maintain materials roadmaps and specifications, drive internal/external research, collaborate cross‑functionally, and manage technical staff with safety focus.
Summary Generated by Built In
HWI has a fantastic opportunity to join our Research & Development Team as Director, Monolithic Technology and Specialty Products.
Summary
The Director, Monolithic Technology and Specialty Products leads a key department technology team of research scientists, engineers and technicians with counterparts in Research, Technical Marketing. Product Management, Sales, Procurement, Quality and Manufacturing to ensure a concerted effort in support of new offerings development and development and support for the complete portfolio o existing offerings in the key technology family.
Responsibilities
- Develop new and improved offerings. This requires collaboration and partnering with product management, technology marketing, quality, manufacturing, procurement and commercial sales teams to understand market needs and align with commercial goals.
- Provide technology support and expertise for existing materials and HWI product offerings.
- Maintain detailed materials roadmaps for all raw material categories, updated raw material technical specifications, and a library of refractory materials technology
- Lead assigned and shared technology teams in internal and external fundamental research to advance HWI’s understanding in key material technology knowledge.
- Supervise, coach, and develop direct reports and shared technology teams with safety as a priority.
- Understand competitive offerings and external technology developments relevant to HWI’s key materials technology.
Requirements
- Requires B.S. degree in Engineering, Ceramics, Metallurgy, Chemical, Materials Science or related field
- MBA preferred
- Requires knowledge of scientific method, refractory raw materials, product development, manufacturing processes, and customer applications
- Requires strong strategic thinking and technical problem-solving skills
- Requires oral and written communication skills including the ability to speak on technical topics to external parties
- Requires computer operation skills including, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced excel and PowerPoint expertise
- Requires ten plus (10+) years of experience with refractory offerings development and subject matter expertise in refractory technologies.
- Requires five plus (5+) years of experience supervising technical staff.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
- Physical Activity: Requires more than 2/3 of time sitting, talking or hearing; and less than 1/3 of time standing, walking, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching and using hands and fingers and tasting/smelling.
- Lifting: Requires lifting up to 50 pounds less than 1/3 of time.
- Vision: Requires accurate close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
- Environment: Requires more than 2/3 of time in an office setting; and less than 1/3 of time working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposed to outdoor weather, wet/humid conditions, extreme heat, fumes or airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, and/or vibration.
- Noise: Requires exposure to moderate noise; and less 1/3 of time working in loud environments.
- Travel: Requires approximately 35% domestic and international travel
HWI, a member of Calderys
HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States.
With manufacturing sites and distribution centers across the Americas, as well as the major refractory industry research facility in North America, HWI serves virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets. HWI is consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts, and intensely driven excellence.
We’re actively expanding our team of dedicated, enthusiastic people — particularly in research and development, engineering and manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, we offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse workforce.
For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com/
Skills Required
- B.S. degree in Engineering, Ceramics, Metallurgy, Chemical, Materials Science or related field
- MBA
- Knowledge of scientific method, refractory raw materials, product development, manufacturing processes, and customer applications
- Strong strategic thinking and technical problem-solving skills
- Oral and written communication skills, including presenting technical topics to external parties
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel and PowerPoint expertise
- 10+ years experience with refractory offerings development and subject matter expertise in refractory technologies
- 5+ years experience supervising technical staff
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The Company
What We Do
Calderys is a leading global provider for industries operating in high-temperature conditions, specializing in thermal protection for industrial equipment with a wide range of refractory products.
