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Principal Chemical Engineer, Innovation, Asia

Brooks Running· Footwear – Footwear Research & Development
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Quanzhou, FujianFull-timePosted 4mo ago

About the role

Senior technical leader responsible for researching and developing new materials and processes, setting the long-term materials strategy, mentoring global Material Science teams, and driving complex innovation initiatives in footwear and apparel.

Responsibilities

  • Leading, mentoring and driving global Material Science project teams on complex innovation initiatives to create new materials and processes.
  • Own the long-term compound research strategy and execution to achieve leadership in running performance technology
  • Lead with specialized knowledge of advanced materials and manufacturing processes to create new materials innovations for enhanced product performance
  • Own the Materials Formulary and maintain the working plan for all key compounds under development
  • Build out relationships with top research universities and critical materials suppliers to secure long-term leadership in performance materials
  • Provide technical guidance, coaching, consultation, and training for the Material Science team
  • Participate in the creation of the advanced R&D calendar and manage key innovation programs
  • Act as a key member of the innovation technical leads, participate in project reviews, and drive projects to completion
  • Guide strategic discussions to ensure successful development and execution of the R&D portfolio
  • Influence and gain buy-in across the organization without command-and-control to meet objectives
  • Advise on optimal paths in the Innovation roadmap and resource allocation
  • Mentor and raise the technical aptitude of the team
  • Ensure footwear and apparel teams meet Sustainability goals through Innovation projects
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish product validation, specifications, costing, manufacturing scale-up, and process adherence
  • Travel internationally and domestically for product and technology development, testing, and production reviews
  • Participate in business milestones and organize team training and events
  • May manage up to one direct report and act as a workstream lead for a team of technical experts

Qualifications

  • Masters or Doctorate in Chemical Engineering or Polymer Materials Science (or equivalent experience)
  • 10+ years of experience connecting fundamental materials science with product application engineering (footwear experience a plus)
  • Proven leadership experience in a complex organization with mentoring and cross-functional influence
  • Strong Project Management skills
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting
  • Ability to develop productive relationships across diverse disciplines and cultures
  • Experience leading, collaborating with, and influencing cross-functional peers in the innovation process
  • Optimistic problem-solver with perseverance and willingness to dive into details
  • Curious, open-minded, inventive, and able to challenge the status quo
  • Passion for running and active lifestyle; Brooks values alignment
  • Strong computer skills including MS Office
  • Global travel capability (~30%)

Skills

Required:Materials science leadershipCompound research strategyCross-functional collaborationProject managementTechnical communicationAdvanced materials understanding
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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Shop superior running shoes and apparel for men and women with free shipping and returns. Your search for great running gear starts and ends with Brooks Running.

Shop superior running shoes and apparel for men and women with free shipping and returns. Your search for great running gear starts and ends with Brooks Running.

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