R&D Project Specialist

R&D Project Specialist HexArmor® is a leader in developing some of the most advanced PPE solutions for your eyes, hands, arms, and body. At HexArmor®, we believe safety is not a luxury – it's a necessity. Since day one, we have worked hand-in-hand with our customers to design innovative, high performance PPE that helps ensure workers return home in the same condition they arrived. Our mission is to provide the protection that makes this possible, for every worker, everywhere. The R&D Project Specialist will lead the flow of R&D projects and technical data from intake through completion, ensuring accurate, timely, and actionable information reaches key stakeholders. This role combines project management, data analytics, and process improvement in a fast-paced R&D and laboratory environment. Managing 6–10 incoming requests daily and supporting 60+ active projects, this is an opportunity to have meaningful impact on people and process while improving how a growing R&D organization turns technical data and testing into insights that drive better decisions and outcomes. Location: (Onsite) HexArmor Headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI – 640 Leffingwell Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Responsibilities Own the intake, prioritization, tracking, processing, and timely delivery of R&D project and data requests. Manage the flow of technical data generated by technicians and engineers, identifying bottlenecks and improving processes that delay analysis or delivery. Oversee daily project activity, balancing approximately 60+ active projects and 6–10 incoming requests per day while maintaining quality and turnaround expectations. Coordinate work across a broader resource pool of approximately five team members, with responsibility expected to expand as the team grows. Establish and maintain organized systems for data capture, validation, processing, analysis, documentation, and reporting. Analyze technical and project data to identify trends, support decision-making, and provide clear, actionable information to R&D leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Coordinate with engineers, technicians, scientists, product development, quality, and other stakeholders to clarify project requirements and ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on time. Develop and maintain project tracking, reporting, and workflow tools that improve visibility into project status, workload, priorities, and resource capacity. Ensure data integrity, accuracy, traceability, and appropriate documentation throughout the project and laboratory workflow. Support laboratory testing processes, including data collection, sample preparation, technical documentation, and coordination of testing activities as needed. Prepare technical reports, dashboards, presentations, and other summaries that communicate project and analytical findings effectively. Identify opportunities to improve processes, standardize workflows, reduce delays, and increase the efficiency of data and project management activities. Support compliance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, quality systems, and company policies. Assist with auditing, standards development/management, ISO-related activities, or quality assurance initiatives as applicable. Support technical training and knowledge transfer within the R&D organization as needed. Contribute to research initiatives, including technical projects, patent research, and other support-based activities as assigned by management. Support the Customer Experience Center by logging customer data into Salesforce and tracking outcomes related to cost savings or revenue generation, as applicable. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Statistics, Engineering, Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a related technical field. 3+ years of experience in data analytics, project management, technical operations, quality assurance, laboratory operations, engineering support, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, prioritize, and hold team members accountable. Experience working in a technical, laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, quality, or other complex process-driven environment. Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to work with large or complex data sets. Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify process gaps, investigate root causes, and implement practical improvements. Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate technical or analytical information for different audiences. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; experience with data visualization, reporting, or database tools is preferred. Ability to work effectively with engineers, technicians, scientists, and other cross-functional stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications Experience with auditing, ISO systems, or formal quality management systems. Laboratory or laboratory testing experience. Experience with standards management, standards development, or technical documentation. Experience developing or delivering technical training. Experience with PPE, materials science, mechanical testing, or product development. Experience with regulatory requirements and quality assurance processes. Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM/data-management platforms. Experience building dashboards, reports, or workflow tools to improve operational visibility. Leadership & Performance Expectations Creates structure and accountability in a high-volume, deadline-driven technical environment. Maintains a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail in data and project deliverables. Develops team capability through coaching, prioritization, feedback, and technical knowledge sharing. Anticipates workflow constraints and proactively addresses issues before they impact project timelines. Balances speed, quality, and resource capacity when prioritizing incoming work. Work Environment: Office and laboratory setting with regular interaction with R&D, engineering, technical, and cross-functional teams. Hands-on interaction with laboratory equipment, materials, prototypes, and technical documentation may be required. Occasional travel may be required for conferences, site visits, customer engagements, or partner collaboration. Compensation: Salary + bonus HexArmor is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. At HexArmor, we believe diversity in people and ideas makes us stronger. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee workforce honoring people's experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. As one HexArmor community, we strive to create and maintain a working environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and impartial. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know. ** Employment offers are contingent upon an E-Verify check and the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check ** HexArmor