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Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations

RH
Torrance, USA
Full-time
Senior · 7+ years experience
Onsite
Discovered 1 weeks ago

Full Job Posting

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Live and model Our Vision, Values and Beliefs every day.
  • Partner directly with Formations Co-Founders to execute their creative vision, translating centuries-old design precedents into scalable luxury collections
  • Research 18th and 19th century museum pieces to develop comprehensive material specification sheets for new collections
  • Oversee weathering tests for outdoor stone and iron components to validate structural performance across modern climate conditions
  • Review and approve physical samples of hardware, mirror glass and wood carvings, providing precise feedback on period-correct proportions, textures and patinas
  • Collaborate daily with the Finishing Shop Foreman to confirm raw materials align with proprietary paints, waxes and patinas
  • Troubleshoot technical defects, including wood warping and natural stone variation, to uphold luxury quality standards
  • Audit active production lines to preserve traditional textures, joinery and hand-applied character
  • Coordinate between the Torrance production floor and creative meetings in West Hollywood, keeping design and manufacturing aligned
  • Keep the Formations General Manager and Chief Operating Officer informed on project timelines, resource needs, manufacturing feasibility and budget parameters
  • Track product development cycle time, milestone completion and first-pass quality yield to drive continuous improvement across R&D initiatives
  • Lead material testing compliance for newly developed outdoor composites, ensuring full execution of structural and weathering protocols

WHAT YOU BRING

  • 7+ years of experience in product development, R&D or engineering within luxury furniture, antiques or architectural industries
  • Deep, authoritative knowledge of 18th and 19th century design movements, including Georgian, Regency and Louis XVI, and their period-specific materials
  • Exceptional visual acuity, with the skill to distinguish instantly between a modern machine finish and a hand-applied 19th century finish
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Furniture Design, Wood Science and Technology, Architecture, Art History or a related technical field is preferred
  • Strong interpersonal skills with natural ease interfacing with executive designers, operational leaders, master artisans and shop foremen
  • Sophisticated project management skills with precision in budget tracking, timeline adherence and quality control
  • WHAT TO EXPECT
  • Based primarily onsite at the Formations manufacturing facility in Torrance, California, with periodic travel to West Hollywood
  • Extended periods on the production floor, including close visual inspection of materials, samples and finished components
  • Frequent movement throughout the manufacturing facility to audit production lines and partner with shop leadership

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Furniture Design, Wood Science and Technology, Architecture, Art History or a related technical field is preferred

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