LaMotte Company, a 100+ year-old global industry leader in developing and manufacturing premier water analysis solutions, operating in Newark, DE, Chestertown, MD and Warwick, UK. Our products are used around the world to accurately, quickly, and conveniently test water in a multitude of applications.

Position Summary:

The Director of Research & Development will lead the R&D team in developing innovative reagents and products, ensuring alignment with company objectives as well as manage and coordinate with outside engineering resources. This role requires a strong background in chemistry and formulation, alongside managerial experience, to drive the successful execution of projects through the Phase Gate method. The position can be based out of either Newark, DE or Chestertown, MD and reports in to the Vice President of Technology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Product Development: Direct the development of new and improved reagents, including tableted, powdered, and liquid formulations, as well as test strip reagents.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of chemists, chemical engineers, and technicians; hold weekly meetings to ensure project alignment and progress.
• Production Support: Oversee production support for various product lines and ensure effective collaboration with Customer Service and Marketing teams.
• Technical Problem Solving: Address and resolve technical issues, providing support to Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA).
• Regulatory Compliance: Direct interactions with regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA) and certification bodies (e.g., NSF, ASTM, PHTA) to ensure compliance.
• Contractor Oversight: Supervise R&D contractors, including electrical engineers and industrial designers, to support project needs.
• Market Analysis: Conduct performance evaluations of products versus competitors and provide technical insights for quotations and product costs.
• Documentation Management: Maintain accurate laboratory records, including electronic notes, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and product labels.
• Phase/Gate Management: Track new product development products through the phase/gate process.
• Other Duties assigned (such duties may or may not be essential functions of the job).

Qualifications:

An advanced degree in chemistry or pharmaceutical chemistry from an accredited institution. Extensive experience in chemistry or formulation chemistry, particularly in analytical reagent systems and novel delivery systems. Good color perception is a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Basic knowledge of electronics, circuit boards, microprocessors, and optics.
• Proficient in data analysis and familiar with relevant software, firmware, operating systems, and serial communication.
• Laboratory skills for safe handling of chemicals and instruments.

Proven experience in managing teams effectively.

Environmental Factors & Physical Demands:

Works indoors in temperature-controlled environment primarily in an office setting working on the computer or phone. No significant exertion required. Travels to both plants to interact with employees and managers and attend meetings. Travels to offsite training sessions/seminars, meetings, and other locations as needed. Requires good problem solving, judgment, communication skills, math skills and color perception. Requires walking, standing, sitting, good manual dexterity.

About Us:

LaMotte Company is a 100+ year-old global industry and technology leader in developing and manufacturing premier water testing solutions. LaMotte operates from two manufacturing sites in Chestertown, MD and Newark, DE. Both facilities have production, research and development, and administrative capabilities, with the Newark site operating 24/7. LaMotte sells their products globally through direct and indirect sales channels into a variety of end market applications.

LaMotte offers paid time off including vacation, sick leave and paid holidays. Full-Time employees, who regularly work at least 30 hours per week, are eligible for employer-provided insurance including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and supplemental insurance. Full-time employees are eligible to contribute to our 401(k) plan with employer match available.

LaMotte is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws.

To apply, please apply on our career site or send your resume to Lindsay Varnum at