Lead Research Engineer - Grade H
1. JOB PURPOSE
The Lead Research Engineer holds a leadership role within the Centre of Excellence, overseeing multiple research initiatives with significant industrial relevance and academic collaboration. This position entails strategic oversight and decision-making authority in research project planning, execution, and delivery.
The Lead Research Engineer ensures that all research aligns with the company’s core objectives and contributes to sustainable industrial solutions. Acting as a senior liaison between internal and external stakeholders, the Lead Research Engineer provides mentorship to junior team members, leads complex problem-solving initiatives, and oversees technical progress across multiple projects.
This role involves significant responsibility in managing intellectual property and innovation pipelines, ensuring that research outcomes translate into commercial and operational benefits for the company. In close collaboration with the Manager of the Centre of Excellence, the Lead Research Engineer plays a pivotal role in shaping the department’s future and ensuring its strategic success.
2. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Project Coordination with External Partners
Collaboration Management
Strategically oversee and govern major research collaborations with universities, research centers, and global academic institutions.
Ensure successful delivery of high-impact projects while maintaining quality, timelines, and budgets.
Lead communication between external partners and internal departments to foster collaboration and ensure research success.
Evaluate and provide strategic direction for complex research proposals, ensuring technical soundness and alignment with industrial needs.
Align research projects with long-term corporate goals, ensuring innovation and technology development support the company’s strategic roadmap.
Management of Internal Projects
Project Leadership
Lead and direct large-scale internal R&D projects with broad organizational impact.
Define project scope, objectives, and success criteria in line with company strategy and technological vision.
Oversee project execution to ensure excellence, timeliness, and budget adherence.
Lead cross-departmental collaboration and resource allocation to support innovation and business advancement.
Execution and Coordination
Oversee and coordinate high-impact project activities with strategic resource planning.
Provide direction to teams in implementing complex, cutting-edge solutions.
Maintain comprehensive oversight of project progress, addressing challenges proactively.
Ensure resource allocation and collaboration align with the company’s innovation goals.
Intellectual Property Coordination
IP Management Support
Lead IP management initiatives and guide junior team members.
Oversee protection, registration, and maintenance of IP assets, ensuring alignment with innovation strategy.
Serve as the primary contact for legal teams and external counsel on IP-related matters, including negotiations and compliance.
Technical Involvement and Support
Active Participation
Direct and oversee technical aspects of internal and external projects, ensuring advanced technology integration.
Supervise complex testing, experiments, and data collection activities.
Solve critical technical challenges and guide innovative project outcomes.
Lead technical vision and ensure engineering efforts support long-term organizational goals.
Information Gathering
Oversee collection and analysis of high-level data to support strategic objectives.
Interpret complex data sets and provide expert insights for decision-making.
Drive use of advanced data analysis techniques to support research and innovation strategy.
Liaison Between Stakeholders
Act as the primary liaison between research institutions, leadership, and project teams.
Communicate project objectives and progress to senior stakeholders, offering strategic insights.
Gather and incorporate stakeholder feedback to refine project strategies.
Maintain relationships with leading researchers and academic partners.
Represent the company at international conferences and industry events.
Mentorship and Team Development
Provide technical mentorship to senior and junior engineers, fostering innovation and sustainability.
Lead training sessions, workshops, and cross-functional projects to enhance team expertise in decarbonization technologies.
Support to Manager of Centre of Excellence
Administrative Assistance
Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation as required.
Support planning and execution of departmental initiatives and strategies.
Strategic Contribution
Professional Development
Technical Knowledge Growth
Develop mastery in alumina and aluminum production processes, integrating sustainability and innovation.
Lead continuous learning and monitor industry trends to enhance company competitiveness.
Strengthen executive-level communication, leadership, and project management capabilities.
Demonstrate a commitment to excellence, mentoring, and ongoing self-development aligned with company goals.
3. AUTHORITY / DECISION-MAKING
Project Coordination and Management
Make operational decisions on project coordination within set guidelines.
Adjust project schedules and tasks to meet objectives.
Provide technical input and escalate major issues to the Manager when necessary.
Leadership of Internal Projects
Lead internal projects, overseeing planning, execution, and resource allocation.
Coordinate with internal teams to ensure successful delivery of project objectives.
Communication
Technical Support
Manage logistical aspects of projects, including tests, scheduling, and securing resources.
Make informed decisions to ensure smooth project execution.
4. QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field with a focus on aluminum smelting.
Experience
5–7 years of experience in a technical role within industrial or research sectors, preferably aluminum smelting.
Proven experience in project coordination and management of internal projects.
- Experience on Decarbonization research projects
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of alumina and aluminum production processes (or willingness to learn).
Familiarity with research methodologies and industrial applications.
Proficiency in project management tools and techniques.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including technical document review and data interpretation.
Soft Skills
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Self-Motivation
Organizational Skills
Attention to Detail
Team Player