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Research and Development Specialist

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

COMPANY OVERVIEW

HexArmor® is a leader in developing some of the most advanced PPE solutions for your eyes, hands, arms, and body. At HexArmor®, we believe safety is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. Since day one, we have worked hand-in-hand with our customers to design innovative, high performance PPE that helps ensure workers return home in the same condition they arrived.  Our mission is to provide the protection that makes this possible, for every worker, everywhere.

SUMMARY

This role is responsible for developing, testing, and validating new and emerging technologies, raw materials, and processes that support HexArmor’s Above the Neck (ATN) product line. You’ll lead lab operations, manage standard procedures, and ensure our products meet the highest standards of innovation, safety, and performance. You’ll also serve as a technical expert for both internal teams and external partners — connecting innovation, data, and real-world protection to advance our “Truth in Safety” mission. This is a new position and will report to the VP of Research & Development.

LOCATION

Grand Rapids, MI – HexArmor Headquarters (Fully Onsite)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technology & Materials Innovation

  • Identify, evaluate, and onboard emerging raw material suppliers.
  • Research, vet, and implement new technologies and testing methods that enhance product performance and user safety.
  • Build or source new lab equipment to maintain leading-edge testing capabilities.

Lab Operations & Reporting

  • Develop, manage, and execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the ATN lab.
  • Oversee equipment calibration schedules and ensure accurate recordkeeping.
  • Review and approve all technical reports generated by lab technicians for Above the Neck requests.

Product Development & Support

  • Conduct CAD modeling and 3D printing for ATN products.
  • Lead the HexArmor Injury Assessment process — investigating incidents, storing data, and sharing insights with key stakeholders.
  • Create and maintain competitive product analyses and technical reports for the Product Team.
  • Partner with the VP of Product – ATN to bring strategic innovation goals to market.

Customer & Field Engagement

  • Manage the Above the Neck Customer Experience Center and ensure an exceptional visitor experience.
  • Support field sales and customer visits as a technical expert in product performance and compliance.
  • Develop and deliver engaging lab experiences for distributors, end users, and sales teams.

Collaboration & Outreach

  • Create technical content for marketing, sales tools, and the “Truth in Safety” blog.
  • Collaborate with universities to explore new innovations and manage the ATN internship program.
  • Represent HexArmor at relevant trade shows, conferences, and industry events.

Innovation Goals

  • Conduct monthly technology reviews for the ATN portfolio.
  • Drive at least one major (“Big I”) innovation and two to three smaller (“Little i”) innovations per year.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.
  • 3+ years of experience in product development, testing, or materials engineering (preferably within PPE or a related industry).
  • Experience with CAD modeling and 3D printing required; injection molding experience a plus.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
  • Passion for innovation, problem-solving, and improving safety through technology.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to translate technical insights into actionable outcomes.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for field visits, conferences, and customer support.

 

HexArmor is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At HexArmor, we believe diversity in people and ideas makes us stronger. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee workforce honoring people’s experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. As one HexArmor community, we strive to create and maintain a working environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and impartial.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

** Employment offers are contingent upon an E-Verify check and the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen and background check **

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