Spectra Director of Technology

This new role shall direct and lead a staff comprising of engineers and scientists focused on new product- and new process technology development of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber-based offerings to enable growth in the Spectra business unit. The Director of Technology (DoT) is responsible for all technology pillars within Spectra R&D including polymers, high performance fibers, composites, coatings and formulations, analytical and applications testing including ballistics, and custom process equipment and design.  The DoT role is also responsible for the safe and effective operation of all the R&D laboratories and pilot-scale operations. This role will manage a variety of resources and new product- and process technology development (NPD/NPT) projects, the department and project budgets, and the priorities of the team to help ensure business objectives are met. With the marketing and offering management functions, you will represent the Spectra business to customers as the chief technical authority while helping define and execute the technology and product roadmaps to deliver business growth and drive increased NPI business performance and productivity. 

 

You Must Have

• BA/BSin polymer engineering, polymer science, textile engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science with experience with high-strength fiber-based composites
• 15+ years of experience managing and leading teams focused on delivering successful products via new product development and/or process technology improvements
• 10+ years subject matter expertise and experience in high-strength fiber-based composites for ballistic armor applications
  
   

We Value

• Advanced degree and/or business degree 
• Experience in UHMWPE-based technology for ballistic applications (hard or soft armor) 
• Experience in body and/or vehicular armor system design, processing, and testing to achieve end user requirements
• Experience in extrusion-based, gel-spinning of high-strength fibers for ballistic armor/textile applications 
• Experience with ITAR and export compliance guidelines and requirements
• Quick problem solvers with strong communication skills, written and verbal, including communicating to executive-level leadership
• Entrepreneurial experience in a fast-paced work environment
• Proficient and efficient project management experience in traditional stage-gate and agile product development processes
• Reliable and trustworthy with the highest standards
• Flexible to work across cultures and time zones
• Demonstrated skills in timely mastering new knowledge and its applications
• Self-motivated leader with excellent prioritization skills
• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and mentor others
• interpersonal skills - ability in developing networks and building relationships (internal and external)

This position is intended to convey to the new, independent company, to be named Solstice Advanced Materials when the separation occurs.  This is expected to occur in late 2025 or early 2026.

At Advanced Materials, we are committed to offering the highest value-add specialty solutions in the advanced materials sector. Our goal is to solve our customers' most complex challenges through a robust and innovative product portfolio and by doing so, deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders. We have identified actionable strategies to grow by expanding into new products and markets and through strategic acquisitions, while keeping our top operating margins.

Joining our team means becoming part of an organization which leverages its long-standing reputation to capture growth trends by investing in innovation and manufacturing enhancements and maintaining deep customer relationships. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values contributions and supports professional development. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the team is dedicated to delivering value and making a meaningful impact in advancing our customers' success. Let’s make that impact together.

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.

• Technology Leadership
  Drive a ‘right and fast’ culture that fosters fundamental understanding and application of scientific principles to advance subject domain expertise while ensuring rigorous and rapid project execution to deliver NPD/NPT programs on-time and in-full. Represent Spectra as the chief technical authority in front of customers, external partners, and suppliers in support of the business team 
• Technology Innovation
  Own the development and execution of technology and product roadmaps to support STRAP and AOP, including the innovation discovery pipeline, scouting and monitoring emerging technologies, and translating end user article performance specifications to fiber and composite material functional property requirements
• People/Talent Management
  Recruit and build a world-class high-performance fibers and composites development center of excellence
• Project Execution & Risk Management
  Project management and coordination, prioritization, resource management, new product development process management, and budget forecasting