Research & Development (R&D) Senior Manager

Description

• Evaluate the feasibility, cost, and performance improvements of new concepts.
• Build institutional knowledge through structured exposure to industry partners and hands-on testing.
• Present research findings at internal briefings, industry forums, and client workshops.
• Initiate strategic supplier engagement, forming collaborative relationships with three to four (3–4) suppliers within the first year.
• Explore and validate emerging technologies that enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability in airport environments.
• Collaborate with marketing to publicize innovative work and organise the company's Innovation conference for airport and airline clients.
• Conduct monthly management briefings and bi-monthly internal presentations to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Deliver new or revised specification documents that incorporate emerging technologies and industry advancements.
• Explore integrated solutions across baggage, cargo, and apron systems to enhance airport-wide operational efficiency and safety.
• Establish R&D partnerships with academic institutions, securing at least one (1) university collaboration within the first 6–8 months.
• Thought Leadership: Publish whitepapers and technical insights that establish BNP as an industry leader in baggage systems innovation.
• Work closely with internal design, engineering, simulation, and project management teams to translate R&D outputs into actionable designs.
• Lead the internal process for industry product testing and certification.
• Design and simulate innovative BHS layouts and components.
• Deliver innovation through whitepapers, prototype solutions, and updated specifications that shape industry standards.
• Maintain a central technical library and internal knowledge base.
• Collaborate with academia, suppliers, and partners to drive innovation.
• Engage with airport clients to align R&D activities with operational needs.
• Advance the future of baggage handling systems through applied research and technical development.
• System Design Innovation: Develop and evaluate next-generation BHS layouts and automation strategies to reduce footprint, increase throughput, minimize manual handling, and improve flexibility.
• Lead development of modular and scalable systems suitable for various airport scales.
• Prototyping & Testing: Collaborate with industry partners and the internal simulation team to simulate, test, and validate new BHS solutions.
• Update technical specifications boilerplate to reflect emerging technologies and evolving best practices.
• Identify and explore emerging technologies (e.g., AI, robotics, RFID, digital twins) relevant to BHS.
• Produce a minimum of three (3) innovation-focused or Proof of Concept whitepapers annually to share insights and demonstrate thought leadership.
• Perform an annual review and update of BHS specifications informed by research findings and operational feedback.
• Benchmark global best practices and BHS technologies used across leading airports.
• Organize internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Develop best practice guidelines for prototyping and integrating new solutions into airport operations, with completion targeted by Q6.
• Involvement in industry forums, working groups, or publication in technical journals.
• Technology Integration: Assess and adopt cutting-edge technologies, including AI/ML, IoT sensors, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and digital twins.
• Produce technical whitepapers, feasibility studies, research reports, and technology roadmaps.
• Coordinate with suppliers and universities for collaborative research and validation.
• Sustainability & Cost Efficiency: Investigate sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and life-cycle design principles to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to think strategically and work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Familiarity with sustainability principles and cost-benefit analysis for system components and design strategies.
• This is a full-time position based in one of our BNP offices, including Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Tampa, Fairfield, Singapore, London, or Dubai. The role requires occasional travel. The successful candidate must pass criminal background checks and screening to obtain airport security badges.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in research and development, engineering design, or innovation within complex industrial systems —ideally in airport systems, automation, logistics, material handling, or transportation infrastructure.
• Experience with airport apron systems, cargo handling, or logistics automation.
• Demonstrated experience in R&D, product development, or technical innovation roles.
• Strong understanding of baggage handling systems, airport operations, or similar automated infrastructure.
• Projects that the successful candidate will participate in will require background checks and may require drug screening.
• Proven track record of leading R&D projects, technology evaluations, and prototyping initiatives from concept through to testing or deployment.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline) is required.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams, research partnerships, or collaborative innovation programs is a plus.
• A mindset of curiosity, continuous learning, and innovation.
• Strong technical expertise across engineering, automation, and digital technologies.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and systems-thinking skills.
• Excellent Communication skills
• Effective collaboration and stakeholder management skills across internal teams, suppliers, academia, and clients.
• Compliance with all US mandatory employer contributions
• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, specifications, and whitepapers.
• Experience working with emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, robotics, digital twins, IoT) in a practical or applied research setting.

Benefits

• Annual Salary Reviews.
• Standard 40-hour work week with occasional additional time required to meet deadlines.
• Annual Bonus Consideration.
• $100k - $160k USD annually, commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications. Location will also be considered.
• Advancement opportunities, we believe in investing in those who want to invest in us
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation/personal time

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance