Position SummaryThe Lead Scientist II / Technology Manager will provide technical and organizational leadership for the development of next-generation thermal management materials and technologies. This role combines deep scientific expertise with people, project, and portfolio leadership. The successful candidate will drive innovation from concept through commercialization while managing a team of scientists and engineers focused on advanced thermal interface materials (TIMs), EMI materials, and emerging thermal and EMI solutions for AI datacenters, advanced packaging, automotive electronics, telecommunications, and high-performance computing applications.
The position requires a strong technology vision, the ability to translate market needs into innovation roadmaps, and demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams through complex product development programs.
Key ResponsibilitiesTechnology Leadership- Define and execute technology roadmaps aligned with business strategy and customer needs.
- Lead development of next-generation thermal management materials, including TIM1, TIM1.5, TIM2, liquid metal systems, phase change materials, lid seals, and adjacent technologies.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, competitive landscapes, and intellectual property opportunities.
- Drive innovation through invention disclosures, patents, publications, and strategic collaborations.
- Serve as a technical authority for customers, business leaders, sales teams, and executive stakeholders.
Team Leadership & People Development- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists, engineers, and technologists.
- Establish technical priorities, resource allocation, and project staffing plans.
- Foster a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, collaboration, and accountability.
- Support recruitment, succession planning, and technical career development.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships across R&D, Operations, Product Management, Marketing, Quality, and Manufacturing.
Product & Project Leadership- Lead strategic product development programs from concept through commercialization.
- Drive stage-gate execution, technical risk reduction, and development planning.
- Coordinate global project activities across multiple sites and disciplines.
- Ensure projects meet technical, timing, cost, quality, and customer objectives.
- Partner with PMO and business stakeholders to prioritize resources and maximize return on innovation investments.
Customer & Market Engagement- Engage directly with key customers to understand system-level challenges and future technology needs.
- Support design-in activities, technical reviews, and strategic customer engagements.
- Translate application requirements into differentiated technology and product solutions.
- Represent the company at industry conferences, consortiums, and technical forums.
Operational Excellence- Establish best practices for experimentation, characterization, data analysis, and documentation.
- Drive continuous improvement in laboratory capabilities and technology development processes.
- Support manufacturing scale-up, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelors' required, master's or Ph.D. preferred in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
- 10+ years of industrial R&D experience in advanced materials or thermal management technologies.
- Demonstrated success leading complex technology development programs.
- Experience managing scientists, engineers, or cross-functional technical teams.
- Strong understanding of product development, commercialization, and manufacturing scale-up.
- Proven record of innovation, patents, product launches, or significant technical contributions.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred- Expertise in thermal interface materials, liquid metals, phase change materials, advanced polymer composites, fillers, or semiconductor packaging materials.
- Knowledge on EMI (ELECTRO MAGNETIC INTERFERANCE) material is a plus.
- Experience supporting AI/datacenter, semiconductor, telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, or electronics markets.
- Knowledge of thermal modeling, reliability testing, and advanced characterization techniques.
- Experience managing global teams and multi-site development programs.
- MBA or formal project/program management training is a plus.
Success MeasuresIn the first 12-24 months, the successful candidate will:
- Deliver high-impact technology platforms that support strategic growth objectives.
- Build and develop a high-performing technical team.
- Accelerate commercialization of advanced thermal solutions.
- Generate meaningful intellectual property and competitive differentiation.
- Improve project execution, resource utilization, and cross-functional alignment.
- Strengthen customer engagement and technical credibility within key markets.
Ideal Candidate Profile: A recognized technical leader who can operate simultaneously as a scientist, innovator, people leader, and business partner. Someone capable of leading a technology platform, managing multiple scientists, engaging executive leadership and customers, and translating long-term technology strategy into commercial success.
#LI-LA1
#On-site
#Cleveland,OH
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