Director, R&D & Advanced Technologies at Apogee Enterprises in Faribault, MN

Job description

Tru Vue Inc. Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion. We provide distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit: www.apog.com . The Apogee Performance Surfaces segment generates >$200M in revenue and EBITDA margins of 20-25%. Our brands in the Performance Surfaces portfolio develop and manufacture high-performance coated materials for a variety of applications, including wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets. We are the global leader in anti-reflective, conservation grade electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion resistance coatings, that provide protection, innovative designs, and exceptional durability. Position Summary The Director, R&D & Advanced Technologies is a working technical leader responsible for the Faribault R&D organization and the development of advanced surface technologies. This role requires deep expertise in PVD sputtering and practical experience with PECVD or related plasma processes. Approximately 50–60% of the role is hands-on, including personally leading high-priority development programs, designing and conducting experiments, optimizing processes, solving complex technical problems, and scaling technologies into manufacturing. The balance of the role includes setting R&D priorities, managing the technology portfolio, developing technical talent, and aligning resources with customer, business, and manufacturing needs. The successful candidate will be equally effective in the laboratory, manufacturing environment, and leadership setting. This individual is expected to personally deliver technical outcomes, not solely manage the work of others. Responsibilities Hands-On Technology Development Personally lead one or two priority advanced-technology programs from experimentation through manufacturing implementation. Design and execute experiments, develop coating architectures, analyze data, optimize processes, and solve complex technical problems. Apply deep expertise in PVD sputtering, PECVD/plasma processes, thin films, and advanced surface technologies. Lead process scale-up, validation, root-cause analysis, and the transfer of new technologies into manufacturing. Maintain a regular presence in the laboratory and manufacturing environment. R&D Leadership and Portfolio Management. Lead the Faribault R&D organization and establish priorities aligned with business growth, customer needs, and manufacturing requirements. Manage the development portfolio, balancing longer-term technology opportunities with near-term commercial priorities. Establish clear project objectives, milestones, resource requirements, technical risks, and success criteria. Provide senior leadership with clear recommendations regarding technology opportunities, investments, risks, and development priorities. Ensure resources are focused on initiatives with the greatest strategic and economic value. Commercialization and Customer Partnership Translate customer and market needs into technical requirements, development programs, and technology roadmaps. Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Sales, Marketing, and Technical Service to commercialize new products and processes. Engage directly with strategic customers to address complex technical challenges and identify development opportunities. Build productive external relationships with suppliers, universities, research organizations, and technology partners. Ensure new technologies deliver required performance, manufacturability, quality, cost, and customer value. Talent and Technical Capability Lead, coach, and develop scientists, chemists, engineers, and technicians. Build organizational capability in coating, deposition,