Position Overview:We are seeking an experienced Manager, Characterization to oversee materials characterization efforts within the Magnet Technology organization. This role is responsible for establishing and executing the characterization strategy that supports research, technology development, process development, manufacturing scale-up, and production support for advanced rare earth permanent magnet technologies.
The successful candidate will provide both strategic and operational leadership across laboratory operations, analytical method development, advanced materials characterization, and laboratory infrastructure. This individual will lead a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, chemists, and technicians while ensuring the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable data that enables innovation and manufacturing excellence. This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring regular engagement in laboratory activities, data review, method development, root-cause investigations, and characterization of advanced magnetic materials, while simultaneously leading and developing a growing organization of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in materials characterization and analytical science, combined with demonstrated success leading laboratory organizations, developing technical talent, implementing world-class laboratory systems and methods, and supporting manufacturing and R&D environments. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in returning an essential manufacturing capability to the USA.
Position Responsibilities:- Lead the Characterization function within the Magnet Technology organization, including oversight and mentorship of the Analytical Laboratory and Methods Development teams
- Provide technical leadership in analytical science, materials characterization, and problem-solving across the company
- Remain actively engaged in laboratory activities, including reviewing data, troubleshooting analytical challenges, guiding method development, and participating in key technical investigations
- Oversee development, validation, automation, and continuous improvement of analytical methods and characterization workflows
- Lead troubleshooting and root-cause investigations involving materials, processes, products, and analytical methods, and partner closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and EHS teams to solve complex materials and process challenges
- Establish laboratory operating procedures, analytical standards, data quality requirements, training programs, and best practices across all characterization activities in the R&D and Quality labs
- Drive implementation of data management, laboratory automation, and digital tools that improve efficiency, quality, and decision-making
- Establish performance metrics and ensure the delivery of timely, accurate, and actionable analytical results to internal stakeholders
- Ensure the effective operation, reliability, and expansion of analytical and characterization capabilities, equipment, and laboratory infrastructure
- Build and develop a high-performing technical organization through recruitment, coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and talent development
- Foster a culture of safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across all characterization activities
- Other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications:- M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Physics, or a related technical field
- 8+ years of experience in materials characterization, analytical laboratories, materials development, or related technical environments
- 5+ years of experience leading both laboratory operations and technical development organizations
- Deep understanding of structure-property relationships in metals, powders, magnetic materials, and other inorganic materials systems
- Demonstrated experience with a broad range of analytical and characterization techniques, including several of the following: SEM, EDS, EBSD, optical microscopy, metallography, XRD, XRF, ICP-OES, LECO, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, dimensional metrology, corrosion testing, and magnetometry
- Experience developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods
- Proficiency with statistical methods, measurement system analysis, and gage R&R studies
- Experience managing technical projects, resources, budgets, and personnel
- Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and root-cause investigation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to both technical and executive audiences
Desired Qualities:- Experience working with rare earth materials, magnetic materials, powder metallurgy, sintered magnets, or advanced manufacturing technologies
- 10+ years of industrial experience in materials characterization, analytical science, metallurgy, or related disciplines
- Experience implementing laboratory automation, advanced analytics, machine learning, or digital laboratory systems
- Experience supporting pilot-scale or commercial manufacturing operations
- Familiarity with quality systems and laboratory accreditation principles
- Demonstrated success building and scaling high-performing technical teams
- Lifelong learner with a passion for innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement
