Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company, is seeking a talented scientist and people leader with expertise in Data Center cooling to join the Global High Tech R&D team located in Naperville, IL as a Director - RD&E.  The scope of responsibilities requires a strong technology leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of identifying, developing, and commercializing creative customer solutions that create value and drive growth.

This role will lead the innovation portfolio for equipment used in direct-to-chip liquid cooling. The Director – RD&E will develop novel and sustainable cooling solutions, communicate regularly with the field/customers/business leaders, ensure a robust pipeline for new products and platforms that help our customer solve complex water problems, and develop a team of high caliber scientists.

This position reports to the Global Senior Director of Data Centers RD&E. It is highly visible and cross-functional role, requiring significant collaboration with business and functions, communication with executive management, and extensive work with customers and partners. Team and talent development is also a critical role of this leader. Apply for the opportunity to work on one of Ecolab’s highest growth engines!

What you will do

Lead a portfolio of projects that deliver unique solutions related to cooling and optimization for our Data Center customers.Own the development, design, and validation of the new equipment portfolio.Build a team that develops solutions to complex research problems requiring creativity and ingenuity. Ensure protection of Nalco Water intellectual property through patenting, licensing, and joint development agreements.Collaborate with a diverse, cross-functional team of sales leaders, researchers, industry technical consultants, functional business partners, customers, and OEM partners to develop new ideas that solve difficult problems related to water usage and energy efficiency in Data Centers.Communicate project status and innovation impact regularly to stakeholders and business leaders.Assume a leadership role in Safety and embody Nalco Water’s safety culture.  Ensure all research activities are performed with safety as the top priority. 

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or related discipline15+ years of experience in equipment development, thermal engineering, and/or data center cooling.

Preferred Qualifications

Proven experience in portfolio leadership and implementation of strategic roadmaps.Successful equipment design, validation, and deployment.Extensive knowledge of Cooling Distribution Units, cold plates, and direct-to-chip liquid cooling

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range:

137,600 - 206,400 Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.

Benefits 

Ecolab provides the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, identity theft protection, short-term and long-term disability, 401k, pension plans, retirement health care benefits, short-term incentives, vacation (12 days), holidays, parental leave, employee stock purchase plans (Full-Time Associates), discount on day care services and caregiver services, adoption assistance, group legal services, employee assistance program, employee discount program, and education assistance program, on-Site childcare and fitness facilities may be available at select Ecolab locations. Click here for additional benefits information. If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.

Potential Customer Requirements Notice

To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:

- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.

- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.  

Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are inclusive. We are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. We are committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, we will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran.

In addition, we are committed to furthering the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) through Affirmative Action (AA).

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.