VP of Engineering and Innovation – Advanced Materials

Are you a strategic engineering leader with a passion for cutting-edge materials science and innovation? We are seeking a Vice President of Engineering & Innovation to lead the R&D and engineering functions of a high-growth advanced materials company based in Tampa, FL. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape next-generation products, accelerate technological breakthroughs, and drive operational excellence in a dynamic industry. If you excel in building and scaling high-performance engineering teams, this role offers a platform to make a transformational impact.

Drive Innovation and Growth in Advanced Materials

A leading advanced materials manufacturer in Tampa, FL is looking for a Vice President of Engineering & Innovation to spearhead product development, process optimization, and technology strategy. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, a collaborative leadership style, and a track record of driving innovation in materials science or adjacent sectors. If you’re ready to lead multidisciplinary teams and help pioneer the future of advanced materials, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President of Engineering & Innovation – Advanced Materials

Technology & Innovation Strategy: Develop and execute a forward-thinking innovation roadmap aligned with business goals and emerging trends in advanced materials. Champion R&D initiatives and bring novel material technologies from concept to commercialization.

Engineering Leadership: Lead all engineering functions, including product development, process engineering, and technical operations. Implement best-in-class engineering practices, drive design excellence, and ensure product performance, reliability, and scalability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with product management, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure cohesive project execution and operational efficiency. Facilitate alignment across departments to accelerate time-to-market.

Research & Development Oversight: Oversee and scale R&D activities to identify, test, and validate new materials and formulations. Ensure robust testing protocols, IP generation, and compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.

Operational Efficiency: Optimize engineering workflows, resource allocation, and project management processes to drive productivity and cost-effectiveness. Apply lean methodologies and continuous improvement frameworks to enhance output quality and reduce cycle times.

Talent Development & Team Building: Recruit, mentor, and retain top engineering and R&D talent. Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and high performance, while aligning teams with the company’s technical vision and strategic priorities.

Technical Due Diligence & Vendor Management: Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and partnerships to support innovation initiatives. Manage technical assessments, vendor relationships, and technology licensing as needed.

Customer & Market Insights: Translate customer needs and market feedback into engineering requirements. Drive customized solutions and material innovations that meet or exceed client expectations in performance and sustainability.

Quality & Compliance: Ensure that all engineering and R&D activities adhere to applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards. Collaborate with QA and regulatory teams to ensure consistent compliance across the product lifecycle.

Strategic Planning & Reporting: Collaborate with executive leadership to contribute to long-term business strategy. Provide technical input in strategic planning sessions and communicate key milestones, risks, and opportunities to senior stakeholders and the board.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Vice President of Engineering & Innovation – Advanced Materials, the client is seeking a transformative technical leader with deep expertise in materials science and engineering innovation. You should be a strategic thinker with a passion for driving technological breakthroughs, leading high-performing teams, and delivering results in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Track Record of Technical Leadership in Advanced Materials

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in engineering leadership within advanced materials, specialty chemicals, or related industrial sectors. You should have a proven ability to lead end-to-end product development, scale R&D operations, and bring disruptive technologies to market. Experience in material formulation, performance optimization, and cross-functional engineering initiatives is highly valued.

Strategic Innovation Mindset

The client is looking for an innovation-driven executive who can craft and execute a long-term technical strategy. You should demonstrate the ability to identify new technology trends, assess R&D investment opportunities, and align engineering initiatives with broader business goals. Your capacity to bridge science with scalable commercialization is a key differentiator.

Strong Engineering and Operational Acumen

You must possess deep engineering fundamentals combined with strong operational skills. The ability to oversee complex development cycles, manage multidisciplinary teams, and improve engineering efficiency through process optimization is essential. Experience with lean methodologies, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence frameworks is a plus.

Talent Leadership & Culture Building

The client values a leader who can build and inspire world-class engineering and R&D teams. You should have experience mentoring top technical talent, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, and creating a high-accountability environment. A commitment to professional development and diversity in technical leadership is highly regarded.

Customer-Focused Technical Execution

A strong understanding of customer requirements and the ability to translate them into high-performing technical solutions is critical. The client seeks someone who can work closely with commercial teams to deliver engineering innovations that exceed customer expectations and create lasting competitive advantage.

Collaborative Communication with Stakeholders

The ideal VP will be skilled at presenting complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, board members, and cross-functional partners. The ability to clearly communicate R&D progress, technical risks, and strategic implications is vital for driving alignment across the organization.

Commitment to Compliance, Safety & Quality

The client expects a disciplined leader who prioritizes regulatory compliance, product safety, and quality assurance. Experience managing engineering and innovation programs in highly regulated environments (e.g., aerospace, defense, automotive, or medical materials) is a strong plus.

FAQs About the Role – Vice President of Engineering & Innovation – Advanced Materials

1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Engineering & Innovation in this role?

As the VP of Engineering & Innovation, you will be responsible for leading all engineering and R&D initiatives, driving innovation in advanced materials, and overseeing product development from concept to commercialization. You will manage cross-functional teams, ensure operational excellence, optimize engineering processes, and collaborate with key departments to bring new technologies to market. Additionally, you will oversee regulatory compliance, manage supplier relationships, and engage with stakeholders to align engineering strategies with business objectives.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in engineering leadership, specifically within advanced materials, specialty chemicals, or related industries. A strong background in R&D, product development, and engineering operations is essential. You should have a proven track record of driving technological innovation, leading engineering teams, and scaling products. A relevant advanced degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field is preferred, along with experience in managing high-performance teams and navigating complex technical environments.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The client seeks a visionary, results-driven leader with excellent technical expertise and a passion for innovation. You should be able to inspire and mentor engineering teams, drive cross-functional collaboration, and communicate technical strategies effectively to non-technical stakeholders. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement are essential qualities for success in this role.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

As the VP of Engineering & Innovation, you will face challenges such as managing the integration of new technologies into production, addressing supply chain and manufacturing complexities, and ensuring product quality and compliance with industry regulations. Additionally, staying ahead of industry trends and driving cross-departmental collaboration to meet market demands will require agility and strong leadership.

5. What is the expected impact of the VP of Engineering & Innovation on the company’s growth?

The VP of Engineering & Innovation is expected to drive the company’s technological advancement and product innovation, which will directly impact the company’s competitiveness in the market. Your ability to lead R&D initiatives, optimize engineering processes, and bring new materials to market will contribute to the company’s growth, market share, and long-term success.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company fosters an innovation-driven, collaborative, and fast-paced work environment. They value technical excellence, creativity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As the VP of Engineering & Innovation, you will have the opportunity to shape the engineering culture and ensure alignment with the company’s strategic goals, all while leading a talented and motivated team.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Vice President of Engineering & Innovation – Advanced Materials in Tampa, FL, you can expect a competitive compensation package designed to attract high-caliber executive talent. The remuneration for this role typically includes:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP in Engineering & Innovation within the advanced materials industry can vary depending on the company’s size, revenue, and market position. For mid-to-large-sized firms, the annual base salary typically ranges from $200,000 to $400,000, with larger corporations offering salaries at the higher end or beyond this range.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to the base salary, the VP of Engineering & Innovation role often includes performance-based bonuses. These bonuses are tied to key business objectives such as product innovation, R&D success, operational efficiency, and achieving business milestones. The bonus can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on company and individual performance.

3. Equity & Stock Options
Many advanced materials companies offer equity-based incentives, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These incentives align executive compensation with the company’s long-term growth and profitability. Depending on the company’s valuation and success, equity grants can form a substantial part of the overall compensation package.

4. Profit-Sharing & Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies offer profit-sharing programs or LTIPs to reward sustained performance over several years. These plans are designed to focus on long-term growth and stability, providing executives with additional financial rewards based on company success and their leadership in driving innovation and growth.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
As a VP, you will likely receive a comprehensive package of executive benefits, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or pension plans with company contributions
Executive retirement plans
Company-provided vehicles or travel allowances
Executive wellness programs
Expense accounts for business development and networking

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For top-tier candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation packages as additional incentives. These one-time payments can range from $25,000 to $150,000, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the company’s need to secure leadership talent.

Total Compensation Potential

When factoring in the base salary, bonuses, stock options, and long-term incentives, the total compensation for a VP of Engineering & Innovation can range from $300,000 to $600,000 annually. For larger corporations or high-growth firms, the total package could be significantly higher, reaching $1 million or more.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced and visionary leader with a passion for innovation and advanced materials, we invite you to apply for the Vice President of Engineering & Innovation – Advanced Materials role in Tampa, FL. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead cutting-edge engineering initiatives, drive R&D success, and shape the future of the advanced materials industry.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter that highlights your experience in engineering leadership, innovation, R&D strategy, and team development. In your cover letter, emphasize your ability to manage engineering teams, foster cross-functional collaboration, and deliver transformative solutions within the advanced materials sector. Demonstrate your track record of success in driving innovation, enhancing operational performance, and leading technical teams toward market-leading products.

This is an impactful role that will allow you to make significant contributions to the company’s growth and technological advancements. Apply now to take the next step in your executive career as the Vice President of Engineering & Innovation in Tampa, FL!

For more information or to explore similar executive opportunities, visit our Engineering Executive Recruiters Page.

Job Category: Advanced Materials

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Tampa

VP of Engineering and Innovation – Tampa, FL | Advanced Materials