Research And Development Manager

Under the supervision of the General Manager, the employee will perform various duties related to R&D, including research, lab, and pilot plant testing of Company products. The employee will also assist with multiple field trials and the subsequent management and cataloging of the resulting data. Other tasks associated with quality assurance for the customer, production, and compliance with state regulations will be required. Work will include innovative raw material research, product development, and manufacturing control activities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

The position may involve performing other duties as required, which may not be mentioned below. Specific functions may change from time to time.

• Create and maintain pilot plant Standard Operating Procedures.

• Adhere to routine testing, including, but not restricted to, size gradation (sieving), moisture, compression strength testing, etc.

• Develop quality control sampling and retention methods for trialed materials.

• Research, test, and make recommendations for Automation control of process equipment.

• Oversee R&D of processing, chemical/physical properties, logistics, and end-user characteristics of new or improved fertilizer products.

• Develop reports and supporting information on various focus areas.

• Serve as direct pilot plant manager with assisted supervisory roles of labor to complete tasks.

• Support “in the field” product performance trials.

• Create or review SWOT analysis (raw materials, industry trends, political impact, etc.)

• Using best practices, clean and maintain pilot plant equipment.

• Assist in budgeting product development and field trial efforts.

1. Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree through an Engineering college. (Chemical or Process discipline preferred)

Or 5+ years of experience in Research and Development roles.

Experience in energy generation, agriculture, mining, construction, or chemical plants is a plus.

1. Mental/Physical Demands:

Lab experience, or the ability to learn testing procedures and advanced experimentation processes.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Must be able to multi-task.

Must be computer adept and able to utilize Microsoft Office, including, but not limited to, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. CAD experience is valuable.

Attention to detail and accuracy are essential skills for this position.