Research Project Manager
About the role
About Us
We are a global climate technologies company engineered for sustainability. We create sustainable and efficient residential, commercial and industrial spaces through HVACR technologies. We protect temperature-sensitive goods throughout the cold chain. And we bring comfort to people globally. Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in compression, controls, software and monitoring solutions result in next-generation climate technology that is built for the needs of the world ahead.
Whether you are a professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring your first opportunity, or recent graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be challenged and make an impact. Join our team and start your journey today!
We are seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to manage research initiatives from conception to completion. They will coordinate and guide R&D projects in compressor and other alternative technologies for HVACR applications. This role drives innovation by acting as a liaison between the various stakeholders to uncover new opportunities and developing them into research projects with clear scopes and established goals.
Ideal for candidates with strong project leadership in mechanical/rotating equipment R&D, turbomachinery, or compressor product development.
As A RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGER, You Will:
- Define overall project scope with established, clear goals so team members can further develop their individual project plans outlining required objectives and timelines to meet project deliverables.
- Engage with the various business units to identify research opportunities via product roadmaps / future product needs.
- Facilitate collaboration and alignment with cross-functional teams, such as procurement and manufacturing, to enable seamless transition of projects from R&D to new product development.
- Conduct competitive analysis including:
- Active review of compressor patents
- Distribution of patents to parties of interest to provide visibility into competitive interest and trends
- Participate in review of patents as necessary.
- Provide clear, impactful status reporting to business unit and steering committee leaders, ensuring visibility into progress, risks, and key project outcomes.
- Promote project management best practices within the research team through coaching and mentoring.
- Travel ~5% as needed.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering / related field or equivalent experience.
- 5–10+ years of progressive experience in project management within R&D, engineering, or product development for compressors, turbomachinery, rotating equipment, or similar high-performance systems.
- Strong knowledge of high-speed rotating equipment, design tools, testing methodologies, and industry standards.
- Proven record leading complex technical projects from concept to prototype/validation.
- Demonstrated mastery of project management skills such as project planning, risk management and cross-functional coordination.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities to work with engineers, executives, customers, and global teams.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:
- Experience with vapor compression technologies in HVACR applications
- PMP certification preferred
Our Commitment to Our People
Across the globe, we are united by a singular Purpose: Sustainability is no small ambition. That’s why everything we do is geared toward a sustainable future—for our generation and all those to come. Through groundbreaking innovations, HVACR technology and cold chain solutions, we are reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in spaces of all sizes, from residential to commercial to industrial.
Our employees are our greatest strength. We believe that our culture of passion, openness, and collaboration empowers us to work toward the same goal - to make the world a better place. We invest in the end-to-end development of our people, beginning at onboarding and through senior leadership, so they can thrive personally and professionally.
Flexible and competitive benefits plans offer the right options to meet your individual/family needs: medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) and more. We provide employees with flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave, vacation and holiday leave.
Together, we have the opportunity – and the power – to continue to revolutionize the technology behind air conditioning, heating and refrigeration, and cultivate a better future. Learn more about us and how you can join our team!
Our Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging
At Copeland, we cultivate a strong sense of inclusion and belonging where individuals of all backgrounds, and with diverse perspectives, are embraced and treated fairly to enable a stronger workforce. Our employee resource groups play an important role in culture and community building at Copeland.
Work Authorization
Copeland will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 with OPT or CPT, H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
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