• Product Manager - R&D / Manufacturing

    Actalent (Richmond Heights, OH)


    R&D Project Manager

     

    Type:Full-Time | Direct Hire

     

    Compensation:$160,000–$185,000 base + 10–15% bonus + relocation assistance

    About the Role

    We’re looking for a Senior R&D Project Managerto lead high-impact product development initiatives in advanced quartz technologies. This role is deeply rooted indevelopment—not research—and is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, hands-on environments and has successfully scaled multi-million-dollar projects from concept to production.

     

    You’ll work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and external partners to bring next-gen high-temperature materials to life. This position directly influences the parent company’s strategic growth and innovation roadmap.

    Key Responsibilities

    + Lead cross-functional teams to develop and scale new quartz products and processes

    + Drive product development through feasibility testing, prototyping, pilot testing, and commercialization

    + Manage external vendors and partners to accelerate development timelines

    + Apply Stage Gate methodology to guide projects from concept to high-volume manufacturing

    + Conduct cost analysis, IP generation, and technical reporting

    + Utilize Six Sigma, DOE, and statistical tools (e.g., Minitab) for process optimization and troubleshooting

    + Collaborate with global manufacturing teams to ensure seamless scale-up and production readiness

    Minimum Qualifications

    + Bachelor’s degree inMechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field

    + 12+ years of hands-on industry experience inproduct developmentandscale-up

    + Proven track record of leading $1MM+ development projects into full-scale production

    + Strong project management skills: planning, budgeting, prioritization, and risk mitigation

    + Experience working in high-temperature materials such asquartz, ceramics, polymers, steel, orbattery technologies

    + Comfortable working on the production floor and in industrial environments (PPE required)

    + Skilled in thermal/mechanical modeling, FMEA, and statistical analysis

    Preferred Skills

    + Background infusion processes,ceramic polymers, orelectrical engineering

    + Experience withStage Gateproduct development frameworks

    + Ability to influence across matrixed organizations and collaborate with customers and suppliers

    Travel

    + Occasional international travel (~10%)

    Why This Role Matters

    This isn’t just another R&D job—it’s a chance tolead transformative product developmentthat directly impacts the future of high-performance materials. If you’re passionate about innovation, scale-up, and working at the intersection of engineering and manufacturing, we want to hear from you.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $185000.00/yr.

     

    Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage

     

    Dental Coverage

     

    Vision Coverage

     

    401(k) plan with Company Match

     

    Basic and Voluntary Life/AD&D Insurance

     

    Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

     

    Employee Assistance Program

     

    Wellness Program

     

    Tuition Reimbursement

     

    Employee Referral Program

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a fully onsite position in Richmond Heights,OH.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2025.

    About Actalent

    Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.