⚙️ 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
1. Identify innovation areas: impact of 3rd-generation steels on annealing furnaces, energy efficiency, emission reduction, automation, artificial intelligence, etc.
2. Plan annual and multi-year R&D projects
3. Conduct technology and regulatory watch
🔹 Project management
4. Draft technical specifications
5. Ensure the safety of innovations and developments
6. Supervise developments, laboratory testing, and industrial trials
7. Collaborate with design, production, maintenance, quality, and safety teams
🔹 Management & coordination
8. Lead a team of engineers and technicians
9. Be the driving force behind R&D in annealing furnaces at John Cockerill
10. Organize and lead project follow-up meetings
11. Develop partnerships internally (across sectors) and externally (with research centers, universities, suppliers)
🔹 Budget & reporting
12. Define and monitor the R&D budget
13. Present results to senior management
👤 Profile
Technical skills:
14. Engineering degree or PhD in Thermal Engineering, Materials, Metallurgy, or Industrial Engineering
15. Strong knowledge of annealing processes and environmental standards
16. Experience in project management and furnace instrumentation
17. Proven experience in R&D, preferably in the steel industry
18. Proficiency in French and professional English
Personal qualities:
19. Leadership, innovation mindset, and scientific rigor
20. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly
21. Strong synthesis and communication skills
22. Hands-on approach and ability to manage multi-site projects
🎁 What we offer
23. A central role in high-stakes industrial projects
24. A collaborative, responsible, and innovation-driven culture
25. Technical challenges in an international environment
26. An attractive package including:
🚗 Company car
🍽️ Meal vouchers
💰 Performance-related bonus
🏠 Remote working opportunities
🌴 31 vacation days
📈 Health insurance & pension plan
📅 Recruitment process
27. Initial interview with Antoine Godeo Barrera (Talent Acquisition)
28. Technical & HR interview with project teams
29. Final meeting with division management
🚀 Ready to lead impactful international industrial projects?