Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations

Company : Restoration Hardware

Job Description - Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations

Description

RH is seeking a dedicated and innovation-focused Senior Research & Development (R&D) Specialist to drive material innovation while serving as the ultimate guardian of our historical aesthetic. Based primarily out of our Formations Manufacturing facility in Torrance, CA, this position reports directly to the Formations General Manager and Chief Operating Officer (COO), while offering a rare opportunity to work directly with legendary interior designers and Formations Co-Founders, Richard Hallberg and Dan Cuevas.

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

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Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations

Job Description - Senior Research & Development Specialist, Formations

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