Kayla Messier Jones

Kayla Messier Jones is an Innovation Analyst with RTI Innovation Advisors, a business unit of RTI International. With a focus on the consumer products sector, Ms. Jones works with commercial clients to assess product feasibility, identify adjacent market opportunities, and uncover insights and trends that impact product development and operations.

Since joining RTI in 2021, Ms. Jones has worked to uncover emerging ingredient technologies and landscape the market for advanced recycling technologies. She finds potential partners for clients in the home care and cosmetics industries and identifies alternative packaging materials and sources to support clients’ sustainability efforts. With growing consumer concern about some chemicals in fast-moving consumer goods, Ms. Jones also helps clients understand the chemistry and sources of chemicals of concern. She identifies feasible alternatives and helps define proactive chemical monitoring and policy strategies.  

Her background includes experience in corrosion management, naval coatings, floor coverings, adhesives, and sealants. Prior to RTI, Ms. Jones worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center where she oversaw the implementation of coating systems across the fleet. She transitioned to a sustainability-focused startup where she formulated home care products and cosmetics.  

An NC State alumna, Ms. Jones mentors women at her alma mater who are pursuing a career in STEM.