Tyler Lawson
West Chester
Summary
Dynamic R&D Manager skilled in collaborative problem‑solving and continuous improvement, driving innovation across laboratory and production environments. Spearheaded the development of advanced chemical solutions and revitalized quality control systems to elevate operational efficiency. Proficient in a wide range of analytical techniques, consistently delivering successful project outcomes while championing a culture of safety, compliance, and technical excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
R&D Manager
DuBois Chemicals
09.2017 - Current
- Provided technical support to a national sales team and customer base while managing a diverse product portfolio spanning soak and electrolytic cleaners, acid activators, rinse aids, electroplating chemistries (zinc, zinc alloy, nickel, tin, tri‑chrome, hex‑chrome, copper), passivation, and topcoats.
- Developed innovative chemical solutions for diverse industries, managed R&D project timelines and resources to ensure alignment with strategic objectives, and collaborated with manufacturing and sales teams to optimize product formulations and support scaling and customer‑driven adoption initiatives.
- Directed a full revitalization of Quality Control and R&D processes, applying continuous improvement and lean methodologies to create a more efficient, task‑focused environment that eliminated single‑point‑of‑failure dependencies.
- Crucial linchpin in a multimillion‑dollar legacy integration and post‑merger integration phase, providing technical, manufacturing, and client-focused expertise that enabled policy alignment and minimized disruption to core business operations.
- Implemented best practices in laboratory safety and compliance, fostering a culture of operational excellence; authored detailed work instructions that improved consistency and accelerated technician training; and oversaw legacy firm's ISO 9001 program and internal audit team, ensuring ongoing certification.
Materials Engineer
Jasper Rubber Products
03.2015 - 08.2017
- Developed and tested rubber compounds to optimize performance and durability, and conducted material evaluations to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications.
- Collaborated with cross‑functional teams to enhance product design and manufacturing processes, and oversaw process improvements that increased efficiency in material‑testing procedures.
- Implemented a WIP shelf‑life testing program that alerted production personnel to aging stock and removes 100% of age‑related nonconforming material from inventory.
- Isolated and corrected curing deficiencies in a high‑impact SKU, reducing downtime by 85%.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Professional Chemistry
University of Evansville
Evansville, Indiana05-2014
Skills
- Experienced in independent research and design of literature‑adapted procedures, translating into successful rollouts across technical and production environments
- Excels at developing collaborative solutions for multifunctional teams involving both internal and external stakeholders
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Processing
- Benchtop and Wet Analytical Techniques
- Instrumentation: FTIR, Flame AA, ICP, XRF, TOC, UV‑VIS, and HPLC, NSS
Certification
National Association for Surface Finishing Certified Electroplater Finisher
Timeline
R&D Manager
DuBois Chemicals
09.2017 - Current
Materials Engineer
Jasper Rubber Products
03.2015 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Professional Chemistry
University of Evansville