Research & Development (R&D) Senior Manager

Description

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

Requirements

• Experience with airport apron systems, cargo handling, or logistics automation.
• Excellent Communication skills
• Familiarity with sustainability principles and cost-benefit analysis for system components and design strategies.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and systems-thinking skills.
• A mindset of curiosity, continuous learning, and innovation.
• 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.
• Proven track record of leading R&D projects, technology evaluations, and prototyping initiatives from concept through to testing or deployment.
• Experience working with emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, robotics, digital twins, IoT) in a practical or applied research setting.
• Strong understanding of baggage handling systems, airport operations, or similar automated infrastructure.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams, research partnerships, or collaborative innovation programs is a plus.
• 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.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline) is required.
• Effective collaboration and stakeholder management skills across internal teams, suppliers, academia, and clients.
• Compliance with all US mandatory employer contributions
• Strong technical expertise across engineering, automation, and digital technologies.
• Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, specifications, and whitepapers.
• Projects that the successful candidate will participate in will require background checks and may require drug screening.
• Demonstrated experience in R&D, product development, or technical innovation roles.
• 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.

Benefits

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

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance