Product Manager - R&D / Manufacturing

R&D Project Manager

Location: Cleveland, OH (On-site)

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 Manager to lead high-impact product development initiatives in advanced quartz technologies. This role is deeply rooted in development-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 in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 12+ years of hands-on industry experience in product development and scale-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 as quartz, ceramics, polymers, steel, or battery 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 in infusion processes, ceramic polymers, or electrical engineering
• Experience with Stage Gate product 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 to lead transformative product development that 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 $160,000.00 - $185,000.00/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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.