Specialist, Global R&D Sampling & Logistics Coordinator

The Global R&D Sampling & Logistics Coordinator enables faster innovation and on-time, high-quality NPI delivery by managing the compliant movement of materials, components, and customer samples across a global network of sites and regions. This role plays a critical part in “shifting left” key readiness and compliance activities, such as SDS country and language requirements and material and site readiness, ensuring that issues are identified and resolved early rather than at the point of shipment. By proactively identifying risks and coordinating cross-functional execution, this role enables R&D teams to focus on innovation while ensuring products are delivered to customers with speed, quality, and reliability. 

Key Responsibilities:

Drive NPI Sampling Execution (Speed & Proactivity) and Continuous Improvement 

• Coordinate end-to-end R&D shipments, receivals, and sample requests, proactively identifying and resolving risks early to ensure on-time material staging, component availability, and customer sample delivery while minimizing delays. 

• Identify bottlenecks and support improvements to reduce turnaround time, improve data quality, and standardize processes. 

• Identify root causes of delays or execution issues (e.g., missing data, process gaps, system limitations) and take ownership to drive resolution, leveraging cross-functional partners to remove roadblocks and prevent recurrence. 

Execute Customer Sample Shipments (Quality & Reliability) 

• Ensure shipments are accurate, compliant, and right-first time, including proper documentation, packaging, and traceability. 

• Facilitate compliance workflows as needed to ensure the complete and correct documentation is aligned to origin and destination requirements. 

Operate Across a Global, Cross-functional Environment 

• Manage shipments across multiple regions and time zones, addressing regional requirements and coordinating local and non-local sampling scenarios. 

• Serve as the central point of coordination across R&D, TPM, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, Trade Compliance, EHS, and Quality, ensuring clear ownership and efficient handoffs. 

Manage Global RM Movement 

• Coordinate internal transfers of materials and components across global sites, ensuring material, site readiness, and documentation requirements are met to enable seamless execution. 

• Work closely with R&D, TPM, MQE and commodity managers to proactively obtain or stage materials and components at global sites, and evaluate RM options based on supplier, quality, availability, and location. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering, chemistry, or a related field. 

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple requests simultaneously. 

• High attention to detail, particularly in documentation and compliance-driven processes. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and functions. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with global teams across regions and time zones. 

• Experience supporting R&D, customer sampling, or NPI-related workflows. 

• Demonstrated interest in process improvement and proactive problem-solving. 

• Familiarity with ERP or logistics systems (e.g., SAP). 

• Exposure to trade compliance concepts (e.g., ECCN, HTS, export/import documentation, SDS). 

Success Measures (What Good Looks Like):

• Sampling and internal material and component movements are executed quickly, with reduced turnaround time and minimal delays. 

• Risks and gaps are identified early and addressed before impacting customer deliveries—no “last-minute” issues. 

• Shipments are executed with complete and accurate documentation, reducing rework and compliance risk. 

• Cross-region shipments and coordination are handled smoothly with minimal friction or rework. 

• Teams are aligned, roles are clear, and handoffs between functions are efficient. 

• R&D teams spend less time on coordination and issue resolution, allowing increased focus on developing and delivering innovative solutions.