Technical Supervisor, Aramids Research

Job Description

Job Description

Technical Supervisor, Aramids Research

Arclin has a full-time opening for a Technical Supervisor, Aramids Research in their Spruance Office, which is located in Richmond, VA.

About Arclin:

You can find Arclin everywhere. Our technologies make homes and transportation safer, help crops flourish, keep water clean, protect first responders and members of the military, and preserve the purity of essential pharmaceuticals. These vital, everyday products can't fail, and we’re here to give the world an extra layer of performance and peace of mind.

With ~4,000 team members across more than 30 global manufacturing facilities, we operate with the scale to make a global impact and the agility to solve complex challenges at the molecular level. Rooted in scientific discovery and innovation, Arclin’s materials redefine performance across industries - from Firepoint®’s patented intumescent technology that helps stall flames and save lives to the iconic Kevlar® and Nomex® brands trusted to protect those who serve, strengthen aerospace and industrial systems, and perform where reliability and safety are top of mind.

As we expand our mission‑critical materials portfolio and shape the next era of performance technologies, we’re looking for people who want to grow, lead, and solve the challenges others can’t. Together, we’ll advance the innovations that keep the world moving. Because at Arclin, our people are truly Vital Beyond Measure.

Position Summary

The Technical Supervisor, Research Operations & Infrastructure is responsible for overseeing research support operations, laboratory infrastructure, technical staff, safety systems, and regulatory compliance across multiple R&D facilities. This role provides leadership for Technical Assistants, manages research-area maintenance and capital improvements, and serves as a key driver of Process Safety Management (PSM) programs to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant research operations.

Key Responsibilities

Research Facilities & Operations Leadership

• Serve as the area manager for research and semiworks facilities, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operations.
• Lead facility safety inspections, environmental audits, fire protection reviews, and corrective action implementation.
• Manage research-area assets, equipment, and operational readiness.
• Coordinate maintenance, construction, and installation activities with site support organizations.
• Deliver safety orientation and operational training for research personnel.

Technical Assistant Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Technical Assistants supporting R&D operations.
• Manage workforce planning, performance management, training, progression, and scheduling.
• Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, labor relations, and bargaining-unit matters.
• Serve as the Technical Assistant Progression Coordinator.

Maintenance & Infrastructure Management

• Establish maintenance priorities across research facilities to maximize operational effectiveness.
• Manage work orders, permitting activities, equipment lockout coordination, and contractor support.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, equipment calibration programs, and compliance-related maintenance activities through SAP.
• Act as landlord and operational steward for assigned research buildings and facilities.

Capital Projects & Facility Improvements

• Lead infrastructure improvement projects across research facilities, including HVAC, laboratory upgrades, utilities, roofing, and other site enhancements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between research teams, engineering, maintenance, and construction organizations.
• Drive projects from planning through execution while minimizing disruption to research activities.

Process Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead Process Safety Management (PSM) activities for research operations.
• Manage SOP development, revision, and implementation for pilot and semiworks facilities.
• Facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), incident investigations, audits, and corrective actions.
• Deliver annual safety and PSM training to technical staff.
• Represent R&D on site PSM, Responsible Care, and safety committees.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant leadership experience.
• 5+ years of experience in research, manufacturing, engineering, or technical operations environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to influence and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Experience working with maintenance, construction, and contractor organizations.
• Working knowledge of SAP or comparable maintenance management systems.
• Experience issuing work permits and coordinating operational work activities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to drive execution, solve complex problems, and deliver results.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years of direct people leadership experience.
• Experience supervising or leading union-represented employees.
• Process Safety Management (PSM) experience in research, pilot plant, or manufacturing environments.
• Lockout/Tagout experience, including Lockout Supervisor qualifications.
• Advanced SAP experience, including work order management, purchasing, maintenance planning, and cost tracking.
• Qualifications to issue or approve permits including hot work, confined space, line break, penetration, and related permits.
• Strong decision-making skills with demonstrated ownership and accountability.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader who combines strong safety and compliance expertise with the ability to lead technical teams, manage complex facilities, and deliver infrastructure and operational improvements that enable world-class research and development activities.