Manager, R&D Engineering

Position Overview:

The R&D Engineering Manager is a senior hands-on technical leader. They will be the source of energy and enthusiasm for their team. We are looking for a partner who will lead by example and be a mentor to a multidisciplinary R&D engineering team. They will be directly involved in product development process innovation and problem-solving.

This role is not purely managerial. The ideal candidate is a working engineer who actively contributes to designs prototypes experiments root-cause analysis and industrialization. They will create a network in the company to move products from concept to commercialization at a cadence. They will be removing obstacles and ensuring engineers are productive aligned and accountable.

This individual should have firsthand experience in product development. They have already internalized that requirements evolve resources may be constrained and new solutions must be created. They have a proven track record of taking initiative making informed tradeoffs and creating a new path where it does not exist.

The R&D Engineering Manager will work onsite 5 days a week out of our office in Somerset NJ.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Hands-On Contribution

• Lead the design development and industrialization of new products materials and manufacturing processes.
• Remain hands-on with:
• Prototyping and experimental builds
• Test design execution and data analysis
• Process development and scale-up
• Root-cause analysis and corrective actions
• Review and contribute to:
• Engineering drawings specifications and test protocols
• Technical reports work instructions and validation documentation
• Drive technology transfer from R&D into production with full ownership of technical readiness.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead mentor and develop R&D engineers across multiple disciplines (mechanical electrical materials chemical manufacturing).
• Set clear technical expectations and standards for engineering rigor documentation and execution.
• Actively coach engineers through complex technical problems-not just assign tasks.
• Foster a culture of ownership accountability curiosity and constructive challenge.
• Partner with engineers to remove roadblocks and help them succeed rather than escalating problems upward prematurely.

New Product Development & Innovation

• Lead next-generation and new product development initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Identify and evaluate novel materials architectures and processes.
• Balance innovation with manufacturability cost reliability and compliance.
• Support invention disclosures and patent preparation where appropriate.
• Make sound engineering decisions when performance targets conflict with cost schedule or manufacturability.

Execution Prioritization & Problem Solving

• Take ownership when plans break down-define a new path forward rather than waiting for direction.
• Make informed decisions with imperfect data and communicate rationale clearly.
• Prioritize work across multiple projects to focus effort on what most impacts business outcomes.
• Partner with Operations Quality Supply Chain and Product to ensure feasibility and scalability.
• Drive prototype builds pilot runs and qualification efforts to completion.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Identify improved methods for existing products and processes.
• Lead qualification of new materials suppliers or equipment.
• Ensure engineering activities align with ISO EMS and internal quality systems.
• Champion documentation discipline while keeping it practical and value driven.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical Electrical Materials Chemical or related field); MSc. preferred.
• 7 years of progressive R&D and/or product engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineers or technical teams (formal or informal).
• Proven track record of bringing products or processes from concept to production.
• Strong experimental mindset: test design data interpretation and failure analysis.
• Comfortable working across disciplines (materials electronics mechanical systems manufacturing).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to explain complex topics clearly.
• Highly organized yet adaptable in fast-moving high-ambiguity environments.

• Key Personal Attributes

• Hands-on by nature does not distance themselves from technical work.
• Bias for action moves problems forward rather than escalating prematurely.
• Resilient problem-solver finds ways to make things work under constraints.
• Technically credible earns respect by contributing not just directing.
• Keeps calm under pressure steady when timelines costs or requirements shift.
• Stays curious and a learns continuously

Physical requirements and work environment:

• Onsite engineering office and factory environment.
• Must be able to support prototype builds and factory trials as required.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and work in manufacturing settings when needed.
• Will be required to perform other job functions as assigned

About CompoSecure CompoSecure a GPGI business (NYSE: GPGI) is the leading manufacturer of Premium Metal Payment Cards and also offers best-in-class Authentication and Digital Asset solutions. The Companys offerings combine elegance simplicity and security to deliver exceptional experiences and peace of mind enabling trust for millions of people around the more information please visitand.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health financial well-being and work-life balance including medical prescription dental and vision coverage; FSA/HSA options; company-paid life and disability insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid time off (PTO) and holidays; annual bonus opportunities; an employee assistance program (EAP); and opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Additional details will be provided during the hiring process.

CompoSecure is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex or national origin. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Please note: CompoSecure does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited resumes sent to CompoSecure including to our employees will become the property of CompoSecure and may be used without any obligation to pay referral or placement fees. Any agency or recruiter seeking to work with CompoSecures Talent Acquisition Team should contact our team directly by sending an email to .

Required Experience:

Manager