R&D Manager

• R&D Manager – Thermal Annealing Furnaces

Division: Industry – Metals | John Cockerill
Based in Liège – International Projects

Join a committed technology leader

Founded in 1817, John Cockerill supports sustainable innovation to address today's global challenges.
With expertise in services and equipment for the energy, defense, industry, environment, transport, and infrastructure sectors, the Group designs tailor-made technological solutions for companies, governments, and communities.
With more than 8,000 employees, John Cockerill achieved revenues of €1.417 billion in 2024, across 28 countries on 5 continents.

An opportunity within the Metals sector

Are you ready to work on impactful international projects in the steel and automotive industries?
Join John Cockerill as R&D Manager – Thermal Annealing Furnaces within the Industry – Metals division.

Position context

The metallurgical industry is evolving towards higher performance and sustainability.
John Cockerill's Industry – Metals division designs and supplies advanced industrial equipment: reheating furnaces, surface treatment lines, rolling mills, automation systems, and more.
Thanks to our expertise in engineering, international project management, and sourcing, we deliver tailor-made solutions, providing support from installation to transformation and optimization.

Your role

Within the cold steel sector, the R&D Manager – Thermal Annealing Furnaces acts as a technical reference, bringing expertise in furnace design and construction to support projects within the thermal department.

You will master the technical knowledge required for the design and construction of annealing/galvanizing furnaces for process lines (carbon steel, stainless steel, silicon steel).
You will also lead the strategy and execution of R&D activities, driving innovation in thermal processes at John Cockerill.

Your responsibilities

R&D strategy

• Identify innovation areas: impact of 3rd-generation steels on annealing furnaces, energy efficiency, emission reduction, automation, artificial intelligence, etc.
• Plan annual and multi-year R&D projects
• Conduct technology and regulatory watch

Project management

• Draft technical specifications
• Ensure the safety of innovations and developments
• Supervise developments, laboratory testing, and industrial trials
• Collaborate with design, production, maintenance, quality, and safety teams

Management & coordination

• Lead a team of engineers and technicians
• Be the driving force behind R&D in annealing furnaces at John Cockerill
• Organize and lead project follow-up meetings
• Develop partnerships internally (across sectors) and externally (with research centers, universities, suppliers)

Budget & reporting

• Define and monitor the R&D budget
• Present results to senior management

Profile

Technical skills:

• Engineering degree or PhD in Thermal Engineering, Materials, Metallurgy, or Industrial Engineering
• Strong knowledge of annealing processes and environmental standards
• Experience in project management and furnace instrumentation
• Proven experience in R&D, preferably in the steel industry
• Proficiency in French and professional English

Personal qualities:

• Leadership, innovation mindset, and scientific rigor
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly
• Strong synthesis and communication skills
• Hands-on approach and ability to manage multi-site projects

What we offer

• A central role in high-stakes industrial projects
• A collaborative, responsible, and innovation-driven culture
• Technical challenges in an international environment
• An attractive package including:
  Company car
  Meal vouchers
  Performance-related bonus
  Remote working opportunities
  31 vacation days
  Health insurance & pension plan

Recruitment process

• Initial interview with Antoine Godeo Barrera (Talent Acquisition)

• Technical & HR interview with project teams

• Final meeting with division management

Ready to lead impactful international industrial projects?

John Cockerill vous offre des opportunités de carrière et de développement dans ses différents secteurs, dans un environnement de travail convivial.
Vous souhaitez travailler pour une entreprise innovante qui vous permettra de relever des défis techniques au quotidien ?
Nous attendons votre candidature avec impatience et nous réjouissons de vous rencontrer

Découvrez nos offres d'emploi en détail sur Career - John Cockerill