R&D Manager - Thermal Solutions

Description

• Lead formulation and optimization of polymer-based thermal interface materials (TIM1, TIM1.5, TIM2) and potting compounds for advanced semiconductor packaging.
• Apply structure-property relationships to guide formulation strategy, performance trade-offs, and portfolio evolution.
• Design and execute hypothesis-driven experimental programs linking polymer chemistry, fillers, and processing to thermal, mechanical, and reliability performance.
• Generate high-quality data to support stage-gate decisions, technical risk assessment, and commercialization Build and evaluate package-level assemblies to assess material performance under realistic thermal, mechanical, and environmental conditions.
• Support reliability testing and qualification for high thermal flux and mechanically constrained packaging environments.
• Translate material-level results into package- and system-level performance implications. Customer & Market Engagement
• Lead customer-facing technical engagement for thermal interface and potting materials in advanced semiconductor packaging.
• Translate customer requirements into R D priorities while maintaining a focus on technology leadership.
• Partner with hyperscalers and contract manufacturers to accelerate adoption of next-generation thermal solutions in AI and data center applications. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Product Development, Manufacturing, and Marketing to ensure formulations are scalable, manufacturable, and aligned with portfolio strategy.
• Support portfolio validation by providing data, samples, and technical documentation to enable design-in and qualification. Additional Skills & Qualifications 7+ years of industry experience developing, formulating, or validating polymerbased materials for semiconductor packaging, electronics assembly, thermal interface materials, or other high-reliability applications.
• Strong applied understanding of polymer chemistry, composite formulation, and additive systems, with the ability to link formulation design to thermomechanical performance.
• Experience applying structure-property relationships to manage performance trade-offs across TIM1, TIM1.

5, TIM2, and potting compound applications.

Job Title:

R D Manager - Thermal Solutions Reports to:

VP Marketing & Product Development Location:

Westwood, MA

• Working knowledge of PCB- and advanced-package-level thermal and mechanical environments, including processor packaging, lids/stiffeners, cold plates, and TIM selection and reliability considerations. Education
• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Advanced degrees preferred. Experience Level Expert Level Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Westwood, MA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $160000.00/yr. Health, Vision, Dental, 401K Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Westwood,MA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.