Director Research & Development, Equipment

Shape the future of automation at Sealed Air

Do you thrive on solving complex technical challenges while building and inspiring high-performing teams? Can you translate a bold technical vision into commercially successful solutions? At Sealed Air, we’re transforming how innovation happens—and we’re looking for a Director, R&D Equipment to lead that transformation.

In this role, you will drive the development of automation equipment and continuously strengthen our portfolio of high-performance packaging solutions. You’ll operate at the intersection of engineering excellence, business strategy, and cross‑functional execution—playing a critical role in some of Sealed Air’s most important growth initiatives.

• Set the technical and strategic direction for automation equipment development across the I&D organization.
• Build, develop, and inspire engineering leaders, managers, and technical teams, elevating both technical depth and business impact.
• Lead the enhancement of existing equipment platforms and the creation of new product lines from concept through commercialization.
• Translate customer needs into clear value propositions and ensure the value delivered is validated and measurable.
• Provide technical governance and decision‑making throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Drive cross‑functional execution with Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain to ensure regional and commercial success.
• Partner with Supply Chain to improve manufacturability, scalability, and robustness of equipment solutions.
• Own project execution efficiency, including resource planning, load leveling, timelines, and cost control.
• Establish and track group metrics to drive performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement ISO‑aligned processes, procedures, and future‑state workflows.
• Identify and develop strategic third‑party partners to accelerate innovation and delivery.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing engineering teams and leaders.
• Strong background in equipment development, machine design, and automation.
• Hands‑on experience with New Product Development and sustaining engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical innovation into commercial results.
• Solid project management capability, including complex schedules and competing priorities.
• Experience in defining, mapping, and improving engineering and development processes.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Business acumen to collaborate effectively across functions, regions, and business segments.
• Customer‑focused mindset, including experience with on‑site equipment installation and troubleshooting.
• Track record of building high‑performance teams and attracting top technical talent.