Lead Scientist II

8574 Laird Technologies Inc (Us); Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay and benefits package

Job summary

Qnity is seeking a Lead Scientist II / Technology Manager to 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 TIMs, EMI materials, and related solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field is required; advanced degrees preferred.
• 10+ years of industrial R&D experience in advanced materials or thermal management.
• Experience leading complex technology development programs.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute technology roadmaps aligned with business strategy and customer needs.
• Lead development of next-generation thermal management materials and related technologies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, competitive landscapes, and IP opportunities.
• Drive invention disclosures, patents, publications, and collaborations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of scientists and engineers.

Skills

Leadership

R&D Management

Materials Science

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Patents

Product Development

Job description

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics. At Qnity, we’re more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries – we’re a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Position Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

Technology 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 Qualifications

• Expertise in thermal interface materials, liquid metals, phase change materials, advanced polymer composites, fillers, or semiconductor packaging materials.
• Knowledge on EMI (ELECTRO MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE) 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 Measures

• 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.

On-\,site in Cleveland, OH.

Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.

We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our recruitment process.

Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our