Who are we looking for?
We are seeking an experienced and practical Applications Engineering Manager to lead our product development function. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 3 years of industrial experience in polymer, plastics, or composite material processes, combined with a strong track record in process development, scale‑up activities, and team leadership.
This role is suited for a hands‑on, structured leader who excels at guiding multidisciplinary teams, building robust processes, and ensuring high‑quality execution from concept through implementation. The successful candidate will foster a culture of technical excellence, operational discipline, and continuous improvement while supporting the company’s growth and industrialisation efforts.
Your role:
Lead and support the development of new materials, products, and processing technologies with a strong hands‑on approach.
Oversee and continuously improve existing product formulation and processing workflows to enhance performance, efficiency, and scalability.
Mentor, coach, and develop a team of R&D professionals, establishing clear expectations and fostering a high‑performance culture.
Manage a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring effective prioritisation, resource allocation, and timely delivery.
Drive experimentation and process development in lab‑ and pilot‑scale reactor environments, supporting smooth transitions toward industrial‑scale operations.
Ensure rigorous scientific documentation, data quality, and performance tracking across all activities.
Communicate project status, risks, and progress to senior management and key stakeholders to enable informed decision‑making.
Contribute to cross‑functional planning and operational forums, helping shape practical goals, processes, and performance indicators for the unit.
Champion a culture of safety, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
Stay informed on relevant industry and technology developments to identify opportunities for innovation and improved competitiveness.
Ensure alignment with broader organisational processes, OKRs, timelines, and operational targets.
Some of the key traits we are looking for include:
Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 3 years of industrial experience in polymers, plastics, or composite materials, ideally with exposure to pilot‑ or manufacturing‑scale environments.
Demonstrated experience with scale‑up processes, including lab‑to‑pilot and/or pilot‑to‑industrial transitions.
Strong people‑leadership capabilities with proven success in managing teams, coaching talent, and building a culture of accountability.
Deep understanding of polymer processing techniques, material characterisation, and analytical workflows.
Experience overseeing complex project portfolios and managing stakeholders across multiple levels.
Structured problem‑solver with excellent analytical judgement and decision‑making skills.
Exceptional communication skills in English, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Familiarity with GLP, GMP, or other industrial quality frameworks is advantageous.
High attention to detail, strong ownership mindset, and a drive for continuous improvement.
Collaborative, resilient, and comfortable operating in dynamic and evolving environments.
Nice to have: Experience in agentic AI integration into R&D processes.
What is in it for you?
Unique opportunity to join a company during an exciting early stage with a potential stock option plan
Grow with us! Hands-on experience you will not find in a corporate cubicle
Your well-being is important to us. We offer mental health support, 3 paid health days per year, and a culture that encourages rest and recharge
Well maintained work-life balance
Open-minded, diverse and driven international team
Celebrating together! Expect fun, frequent team events, offsites, and spontaneous celebrations
Carpooling opportunity to work. Take advantage of our carpooling program and share the ride (and laughs) with your awesome colleagues
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement:
At UP Catalyst, we believe in harnessing the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and create a workplace culture where every individual can thrive. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is embedded in our company values and guides our actions every step of the way.
We stand against any form of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that each person brings to our team, recognizing that diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of success.
In line with our values of collaboration and respect, we actively seek out and support collaboration with people from underrepresented categories and minorities. We understand the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work.
We continuously strive to foster an environment where all employees feel welcome, respected, and supported in reaching their full potential.
Join us at UP Catalyst, where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, and inclusion is our foundation for success. Together, we're not just changing the world – we're shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.