Research Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced R&D Project Manager to manage research initiatives from conception to completion. They will coordinate and guide R&D projects in compressor and other alternative technologies for HVACR applications. This role drives innovation by acting as a liaison between stakeholders to uncover new opportunities and develop them into research projects with clear scopes and established goals. Responsibilities Define overall project scope with established, clear goals so team members can develop individual project plans outlining required objectives and timelines to meet project deliverables. Engage with the various business units to identify research opportunities via product roadmaps and future product needs. Facilitate collaboration and alignment with cross‑functional teams, such as procurement and manufacturing, to enable seamless transition of projects from R&D to new product development. Conduct competitive analysis. Provide clear, impactful status reporting to business unit and steering committee leaders, ensuring visibility into progress, risks, and key project outcomes. Promote project management best practices within the research team through coaching and mentoring. Travel ~5% as needed. Required Education, Experience, and Skills Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field. 5–10+ years of progressive experience in project management within R&D, engineering, or product development for compressors, turbomachinery, rotating equipment, or similar high‑performance systems. Strong knowledge of high‑speed rotating equipment, design tools, testing methodologies, and industry standards. Proven record leading complex technical projects from concept to prototype/validation. Demonstrated mastery of project management skills such as project planning, risk management, and cross-functional coordination. Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities to work with engineers, executives, customers, and global teams. Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills Experience with vapor compression technologies in HVACR applications. PMP certification preferred. Hybrid Work Arrangement This role is hybrid eligible with the requirement to be in office at least three days per week. Colleagues are expected to demonstrate a collaboration first mindset, which is the understanding that teams will work together in‑person and colleagues should be flexible to adjust their hybrid days based on business needs. Benefits Flexible and competitive benefits plans offer the right options to meet your individual/family needs: medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) and more. We provide employees with flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave, vacation and holiday leave. Work Authorization Copeland will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 with OPT or CPT, H‑1, H‑2, L‑1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire. Equal Opportunity Employer Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. #J-18808-Ljbffr