POSITION SUMMARYThe Engineering Manager - Piezo Ceramics reports to the Global Director of Engineering for Ceramics and leads a team of engineers and technicians responsible for developing piezoelectric ceramic materials, components, and related processing technologies at CTS's Albuquerque, NM location. This role provides technical and people leadership to advance material innovation, support new product development, transfer technologies into manufacturing, and align engineering activities with customer needs, market opportunities, and CTS strategic priorities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead, coach, and develop a team of engineers and technicians focused on piezoelectric ceramic materials, components, and process technology development.
- Define project goals, technical deliverables, resource needs, and timelines that support customer requirements, market opportunities, and CTS strategic priorities.
- Provide technical direction, mentoring, and performance feedback to direct reports while building capability and depth within the team.
- Partner with product management, sales, manufacturing, quality, and other CTS locations to support customer engagement, technical proposals, product launches, and business growth initiatives.
- Develop and improve piezoelectric and dielectric ceramic materials and manufacturing processes that meet performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability requirements.
- Drive disciplined technology transfer from engineering into production, including documentation, process controls, validation, and manufacturing readiness.
- Provide technical support to internal and external customers, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, material selection, and application-specific recommendations.
- Identify, develop, and protect intellectual property related to piezoelectric and dielectric ceramic materials, formulations, and processing methods.
- Communicate technical concepts, project status, risks, and results clearly through written reports, presentations, and cross-functional reviews.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES- Strong leadership capability with demonstrated ability to manage, coach, and develop engineering professionals.
- Deep knowledge of ceramic materials, powder processing, sintering, formulation development, and process-property-performance relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to transfer new products, materials, and processing technologies from development into manufacturing.
- Knowledge of statistical methods, including design of experiments, statistical process control, measurement system analysis, and gage capability.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills with the ability to make sound technical decisions.
- Effective interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work across functions, sites, and cultures in a global matrix organization.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical topics to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Working knowledge of piezoelectric and dielectric ceramic materials, characterization methods, and application requirements. Preferred.
- Experience partnering with customers, product management, and sales teams on technical requirements, customer support, or business development activities. Preferred.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Master's degree in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline required. PhD preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in ceramic materials and processing, with emphasis on mixed oxide powder processing, formulation, firing, and process development required.
- Experience with piezoelectric ceramic materials, dielectric materials, or related electroceramic technologies preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading technical teams, managing engineering priorities, and developing technical talent required.
- Experience transitioning products, materials, or processes from development into manufacturing required.
- Ability to work safely with hazardous materials, including lead oxide, and to ensure compliance with applicable safety procedures and requirements.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
JOIN USAt CTS, one of the ways we recognize the value of our employees is through our comprehensive benefits program. Highlights of our benefits program for full-time employees include:
- Health Benefits
- 401K
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Pay
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Parental Leave
- Pet Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
Ready to shape the future? Apply now to join a world leader in sensing and connectivity.
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