R&D Product Development Leader – Deckorators
Deckorators, a brand of UFP Industries, is a leader in composite decking, railing, and outdoor living products. We are experiencing rapid growth, and our product development team plays a critical role in what comes next.
The R&D Product Development Leader is a key position responsible for bringing new product families to life and expanding applications for existing products. This is an excellent opportunity for a curious, driven self-starter who enjoys solving problems, moving ideas forward, and delivering real results.
The successful candidate may office from one of our current Deckorators locations in Selma, AL, Buffalo NY or Prairie du Chien, WI, with travel expected up to 25–50% depending on project needs.
Job Summary
The R&D Product Development Leader is responsible for developing new products that meet customer performance requirements and support the continued growth of the Deckorators portfolio. This role drives product development projects from concept through implementation, partnering across R&D, operations, quality, and commercial teams to turn ideas into scalable products.
This position is a strong fit for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and market need — someone who can ask smart questions, test ideas quickly, and help bring innovation to market in a practical, results-focused way.
What You’ll Do
Research and develop new technologies that create meaningful product advantages in the market
Develop technical and product hypotheses and lead them through evaluation and progression
Build sound product proposals based on market needs, technical feasibility, and business economics
Identify and qualify technical approaches to deliver products that meet customer performance requirements
Develop prototypes and work cross-functionally to scale successful concepts into production
Lead experimentation at the appropriate level, including lab-scale, pilot, production, and field testing
Collect, interpret, and communicate technical data clearly and effectively
Troubleshoot gaps in product performance and help develop solutions for future improvements
Partner with teams across the business to ensure products meet the right specifications, cost targets, and performance goals
Maintain awareness of competitive building product offerings and identify opportunities for new product development
Support intellectual property efforts, including patent review, invention identification, and related documentation
Help manage development timelines and project progression through a stage-gate or similar process
Prepare technical reports, updates, and presentations as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field required; advanced degree preferred
Particularly relevant backgrounds include Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Materials Science
5–10 years of experience in R&D and/or new product development
Strong preference for experience in plastics materials, polymer processing, or related manufacturing environments
Proven ability to champion new product or technology projects from concept to implementation
Experience with product testing methods and technical problem-solving
Knowledge of building products, construction applications, or adjacent product categories is a plus
Experience with intellectual property processes, including patent evaluation or invention documentation, is preferred
Familiarity with stage-gate or other structured new product development processes
Strong technical foundation with the ability to apply engineering thinking in a practical R&D environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Skills & Style That Matter Here
Naturally curious and energized by solving real problems
Comfortable managing multiple priorities and moving projects forward in a fast-paced environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Able to work well with all levels of the organization, from plant teams to senior leadership
Organized, detail-oriented, and process-minded without getting stuck in unnecessary complexity
Self-directed and comfortable working with a high degree of ownership
Collaborative and team-oriented
Willing and able to travel based on project and site needs
Why Deckorators
This is not a maintenance-mode product role. We’re growing, evolving, and investing in what comes next. The person in this role will have real visibility and impact — helping define future product families, improve existing applications, and partner closely with teams across the business to bring great ideas to life.
If you’re someone who likes building, testing, solving, and seeing your work turn into real products in the market, this could be a very strong fit.
Compensation & Benefit Information
Salary Pay Range: $100,000-$150,000K annually dependent on experience*
*pay range may be adjusted depending on cost of living
Bonus/Incentive Pay:
Annual performance bonus opportunity based on Company and specific business unit ROI and PBOP achievement criteria and individual job responsibility and performance.
Benefits currently offered to our employees:
Medical insurance
Health savings account with company contribution
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic and voluntary life insurance
Disability insurance
401(k) plan with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Stock purchase program with employee discount
Educational reimbursement
Wellness programs and challenges
Other supplemental benefits
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Top Skills
What We Do
UFP Industries is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries – UFP Packaging, UFP Construction and UFP Retail Solutions – manufacture, distribute and sell a wide variety of products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging and industrial applications. Founded in 1955, the company has operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
