Sr Director R&D

As a Sr. Director of Research and Development here at Solstice, you will be responsible for developing and communicating the long‑term vision and strategic direction for the R&D function. You will lead and mentor a team of directors, managers, engineers, and scientists while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Your role will involve overseeing the R&D project portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, and staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to Solstice’s business.

You will report directly to our Vice President of Research and Development, and you will work out of our Buffalo Research Laboratory location. As the Sr. Director of Research and Development at Solstice, you will shape and execute the overarching R&D strategy, drive innovation, and ensure the successful delivery of transformative projects. This role requires a highly experienced and visionary leader with a proven track record in directing large‑scale R&D initiatives, aligning with corporate goals, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

At Solstice, our people‑leaders play a critical role in developing and supporting our employees to help them perform at their best and drive change across the company. You will help to build a strong, diverse team by recruiting talent, identifying and developing successors, driving retention and engagement, and fostering an inclusive culture.

• Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate R&D strategies into the broader business strategy
• Represent the R&D function in high level discussions and decision making
• Provide leadership and guidance to multiple R&D teams, ensuring cohesion and synergy
• Develop talent within the R&D teams, promoting skill development and career growth
• Oversee the entire portfolio of R&D projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to Solstice’s business
• Own the development of technology roadmaps
• Develop critical customer relationships

YOU MUST HAVE

• 10 plus years of experience leading research and development projects within a technology, chemical, or manufacturing environment
• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science or Similar Field
• Proven record of innovation, as evidenced by intellectual property development, new product commercialization and revenue from new products
• Demonstrated accomplishments in new molecule and new material development and commercialization
• Proven people leadership, building high performing teams, and mentorship
• Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have asylum or refugee status in the U.S.

• Experience with synthetic chemistry, particularly fluorine-based chemistry
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Experience with the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to material development
• Passion for innovation and continuous learning

In addition to a competitive salary, leading‑edge work, and developing solutions side‑by‑side with dedicated experts in their fields, Solstice Advanced Materials employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. This package includes employer‑subsidized Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance;
Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability; 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, EAP, and Educational Assistance;
Parental Leave, Paid Time Off (for vacation, personal business, sick time, and parental leave), and 12 Paid Holidays.

The annual base salary range for this position is $232,000 — 290,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Solstice considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a…