Lead Research Engineer

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

• Provide insights from project involvement to support management decisions.

• Contribute to improving collaboration processes and knowledge management.

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

• Represent the company’s interests with external partners and internal stakeholders.

• Ensure timely and accurate information exchange across all parties.

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.

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

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

• Ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.

• Cultural awareness and adaptability in international collaboration.

Self-Motivation

• Demonstrated initiative and proactive approach to work.

• Willingness to learn and take on increasing responsibility.

Organizational Skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Strong organization and time-management capabilities.

Attention to Detail

• Accurate documentation and strict adherence to procedures.

Team Player

• Collaborative mindset and positive contribution to team goals.

• Respectful of diverse perspectives and open to feedback.