Head of R&D Projects

Join the Team Powering the Global Semiconductor Revolution. The semiconductor industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, projected to reach $701 billion in 2025 (an 11% increase) and $800 billion by 2026, driven by an AI revolution that shows no signs of slowing. While other sectors face headwinds, semiconductor assembly and advanced packaging is positioned for explosive 26% annual growth through 2033, making this the perfect moment to build your career in an industry that's only accelerating. Connections made possible by advanced materials science.
Pave Talent is partnering with a $750M+ NYSE-backed specialty chemicals manufacturer in Central New Jersey, a global leader with 2,000+ employees across 6 continents who's the hidden champion behind critical semiconductor packaging and assembly materials. As R&D Project Manager , you'll be the catalyst transforming breakthrough chemistry into production-ready solutions that enable the next generation of computing power, AI acceleration, and advanced chip architectures. Your mission: drive 35+ new product development initiatives through Stage-Gate processes, reducing time-to-market by 70% while maintaining technical excellence in an innovation-driven culture that combines Fortune 500 resources with startup agility.

Lead cross-functional NPD projects from concept through launch, managing $1M+ budgets across 10+ active initiatives in die attach, wire bonding, encapsulation, and advanced packaging materials
Orchestrate global teams across US, UK, Europe, and Asia to deliver cutting-edge semiconductor assembly solutions on aggressive timelines
Partner daily with R&D Directors to prioritize portfolio of materials enabling heterogeneous integration, 3D packaging, and next-gen chip interconnects
Drive Stage-Gate process implementation, transforming R&D productivity and establishing new PMO best practices
Navigate technical complexity in materials science and semiconductor processing while keeping teams aligned on business outcomes
Facilitate crucial conversations between R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams
Mentor technical teams in project management excellence while building scalable processes

Master's degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering
~3+ years of industrial R&D experience in structured new product development environments
~ Proven ability to manage complex technical projects in chemical/materials manufacturing
~ Strong technical acumen to engage meaningfully with PhD scientists and engineers
~ Availability for on-site presence 3+ days/week in Piscataway, NJ


Background in semiconductor materials, microelectronics packaging, or specialty polymers
PMP or similar project management certification
Microsoft Project proficiency

Annual performance bonus: 10% target (potential 0-200% based on performance)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with discounted company stock

Premium Health Coverage - Choice of 3 medical plans (Bronze/Silver/Gold tier) plus dental and vision insurance starting the first of the month after hire
Generous Time Off - Discretionary PTO plus company holidays, increasing with tenure the longer you're with the company
Automatic Financial Protection - Company-paid life insurance (2x salary, up to $500K maximum) and robust disability coverage:
Short-term disability: Long-term disability: 60% pay until retirement age
Retirement Planning - 401(k) plan with automatic 4% enrollment (eligible first of month after hire)
Wellness Incentives - Earn up to $600 annually through wellness program activities (deposited to HSA/FSA)
Employee Assistance Program - Free confidential counseling (1-3 sessions), 24/7 support, financial consultation, legal advice, and childcare/eldercare resources
Ready to drive materials innovation at the foundation of the semiconductor boom? Join an industry projected for sustained double-digit growth while others contract. Apply via LinkedIn and Pave Talent will contact qualified candidates within 48 hours. This is a confidential search. Your application remains completely private.