Director – General Metal Finishing, Advanced Development Centre (ADC)

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Director – GMF will lead the General Metal Finishing (GMF) organization at the Advanced Development Centre and serve as a key counterpart to Global R&D Directors based in Germany. The role is accountable for execution excellence across R&D programs, development of strong technical capabilities, and delivery of high-quality outcomes aligned with global R&D priorities.

GMF focuses on functional and decorative surface treatments, including corrosion-resistant coatings (zinc and zinc alloys), wear-resistant coatings (functional chrome and electroless nickel), decorative coatings (including plating on plastics), and pretreatment/cleaner processes. These technologies support automotive, electronics, and other industrial applications. The Director will oversee all GMF verticals to ensure readiness to deliver innovative, globally aligned solutions.

You Will Make an Impact By:

Global Collaboration and Alignment

• Partner with Global R&D Directors to execute the global R&D agenda.
• Ensure ADC activities are aligned with global strategy, priorities, and project pipelines.
• Enable effective collaboration, technical problem-solving, and knowledge exchange with global teams.
• Represent ADC in global forums and contribute to enterprise-level R&D outcomes.

GMF Organization Leadership

• Lead and manage the GMF organization at ADC.
• Establish clear governance, structure, and priorities across GMF verticals.
• Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and delivery.
• Ensure effective coordination across multiple projects and teams.

R&D Execution and Delivery Excellence

• Drive execution of R&D programs in line with global ownership and milestones.
• Ensure timely delivery of robust experimental data, insights, and technical outputs.
• Implement disciplined project management, including milestone tracking, reporting, and risk management.
• Support scale-up and industrialization in collaboration with global and cross-functional partners.

Capability Building and Talent Development

• Strengthen technical competencies in materials, processes, and surface treatment technologies.
• Expand ADC capabilities to meet evolving business and R&D needs.
• Develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing, multidisciplinary team.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, ownership, and career development.

Operational Excellence and Governance

• Oversee laboratory operations with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Manage operational and capital budgets (OPEX/CAPEX).
• Ensure high standards of scientific rigor, data integrity, and technical documentation.
• Implement structured R&D processes aligned with global governance frameworks.

Skills You Bring:

Education

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline (Ph.D. preferred)

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of R&D experience, preferably in electroplating, surface treatment, or related technologies in B2B industry
• Hands on experience of working, leading and collaborating in a multi culture global matrix organisation
• Demonstrated leadership of R&D teams within global or matrix organizations
• Proven track record in executing complex R&D programs

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of R&D experience, preferably in electroplating, surface treatment, or related technologies in B2B industry
• Hands on experience of working, leading and collaborating in a multi culture global matrix organisation
• Demonstrated leadership of R&D teams within global or matrix organizations
• Proven track record in executing complex R&D programs

Key Competencies

• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration in global environments
• Execution- and results-oriented leadership style
• Deep technical expertise in materials and process development
• Strong organizational, operational, and people leadership skills
• Clear, persuasive communication and influence

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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to various export control regulations.  Applicants for these positions may be limited (by, for example, their countries of citizenship, country of origin, or immigration status) where required by law or governmental contact, and/or employment made contingent upon the issuance of appropriate governmental licensing.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

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