Materials Manager

Ellaway Blues Consulting; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 61,992 - 66,124; Full time

Job summary

A leading industrial manufacturer is seeking an experienced Manager to oversee materials characterization and analytical laboratory functions in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials science or a related field, with hands-on leadership experience in developing and optimizing analytical methods. This full-time position offers significant technical influence and opportunities for career growth, contributing to advanced manufacturing technologies critical to the U.S. industry.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in an industrial or R&D laboratory environment.
• Experience managing technical teams and developing analytical methods.
• Familiarity with advanced characterization tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of analytical methods.
• Recruit and manage a team focused on advanced materials characterization.
• Oversee daily laboratory operations and performance management.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and R&D teams on characterization solutions.

Skills

Hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques

Strong communication skills

Ability to lead technical teams

Experience in manufacturing environment

Analytical methods development

Education

Degree in materials science, chemistry, metallurgical engineering, or related discipline

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Manager to lead a materials characterization and analytical laboratory function within a broader advanced materials technology organization. Our client is an innovative industrial manufacturer operating at the forefront of advanced materials and next-generation manufacturing, with a mission tied to rebuilding critical domestic manufacturing capabilities in the United States.

This is a high-impact technical leadership role focused on developing, automating, and continuously improving analytical and characterization methods that support advanced manufacturing and R&D efforts. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic research laboratory environment, enjoys building and leading technical teams, and brings deep hands‑on experience with materials characterization techniques used in high-performance manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development, validation, and optimization of analytical and characterization methods across a wide range of instrumentation.
• Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and managing a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on advanced materials characterization
• Overseeing daily laboratory operations, staffing, scheduling, performance management, and technical development of the team
• Collaborating closely with process development, manufacturing, and R&D teams to create advanced characterization solutions that support internal and customer-driven technical needs

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials science, chemistry, metallurgical engineering, or a related discipline, along with several years of experience working in an industrial or R&D laboratory environment. Prior experience managing technical teams, developing analytical methods, and working with advanced characterization tools is essential. Strong communication skills, a hands‑on leadership style, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving manufacturing environment are critical for success.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role that directly impacts the development of advanced manufacturing technologies and contributes to restoring a strategically important industrial capability in the United States. The position offers significant technical influence, leadership responsibility, and long‑term career growth within a mission‑driven organization.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management

Industry

Manufacturing

Location: Texas, United States

Salary: $45.00 - $48.00 per hour