Manager of R&D

Job Type: Full-Time | Management
Location: Houston, Texas

About the Opportunity

Stratum Group is partnering with an established, growth-oriented industrial organization seeking a Manager of R&D to lead technical innovation, product development, and performance-improvement initiatives.

This position will serve as a senior technical authority, working across engineering, operations, manufacturing, commercial, and executive teams. The Manager of R&D will help define the organization’s technology strategy, solve complex technical challenges, and develop solutions that improve product performance, reliability, and customer value.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research, technology development, and product-improvement initiatives.

• Develop technical roadmaps aligned with business objectives and customer needs.

• Provide technical guidance for complex projects, customer applications, and performance challenges.

• Establish engineering standards, design practices, and evaluation methodologies.

• Identify emerging technologies and opportunities for product differentiation.

• Support the development of proprietary technology and intellectual property.

• Lead technical troubleshooting, testing, modeling, and performance analysis.

• Partner with commercial and operational teams on strategic customer opportunities.

• Develop internal technical expertise through training, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

• Build relationships with customers, industry organizations, and technology partners.

• Represent the organization through technical presentations, publications, and industry events.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline.

• At least 15 years of experience in thermal engineering, heat transfer, process equipment, or a related technical field.

• Advanced knowledge of thermal design, equipment performance, fluid flow, fouling, vibration, and performance optimization.

• Expert-level proficiency with HTRI or comparable engineering software.

• Experience evaluating, designing, rating, troubleshooting, and improving heat-transfer equipment.

• Proven experience leading technical projects and developing engineering talent.

• Strong communication, presentation, and technical-writing skills.

• Ability to work effectively with customers and cross-functional business teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading research, product development, or innovation programs.

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline.

• Experience with simulation, process modeling, and advanced engineering tools.

• Patents, publications, conference presentations, or other recognized technical contributions.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.