Materials & Processing Team Lead

Albany International Corp.; Rochester (NH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Albany International Corp. is seeking a Process Development Team Lead in the United States to guide a group of engineers focused on advancing injection, infusion, and CMC processes for aerospace composites.

The role emphasizes leadership, tooling development, and collaboration with R&D projects, including bid/proposal support for new programs. The position requires deep experience in polymer matrix composites, CAD proficiency, and strong communication skills to coordinate internal teams and

Qualifications

• 7+ years’ experience in composite engineering; advanced degree can substitute years.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably Mechanical or Civil.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes for polymer matrix composites.
• Experience with aerospace materials and structures including injection/infusion.
• Strong engineering design and mechanical skills in tooling; knowledge of composite materials behavior.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to sustain world class composite manufacturing technical competency.
• Supervise engineers, provide technical and project management guidance.
• Provide updates and communication to internal/external customers.
• Lead and/or support introduction of new composite processes, products, and technologies.
• Identify and procure injection/infusion tooling and equipment.
• Execute IRAD and customer projects and improve RTM, VARTM, carbonization methods.
• Support material characterization of unique technologies through fabrication and testing.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and participate in relevant events.

Skills

Team leadership

CAD proficiency

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Hands-on engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Civil preferred)

Advanced degree considered a strong plus

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

NX

Job description

Job Description

We offer a flexible 9/80 work schedule, where you’ll enjoy an extra day off every other week. This structure balances full-time hours with more personal time, supporting both productivity and work‑life balance.

Job Purpose

The Process Development Team Lead is responsible for leading a team of engineers collectively responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the technical execution of internal and customer funded R&T projects directed toward developing, expanding, and maturing AEC’s family of technologies for manufacturing fiber reinforced composites for use in advanced composite structures. These projects are primarily focused on injection, infusion, and/or CMC processing with additional focus areas including 3D preform processing (cutting/shaping/etc.), tooling, equipment and composite characterization on research and development composite structures. The Process Development Team Lead is also responsible for bid and proposal support for new products and programs within the high-performance composites aerospace and defense market.

Job Responsibilities

In performing their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to adhere to Albany’s current values: Albany Wins Together, Count on Each Other, Own Your Actions, Care About Each Other, and Share Your Enthusiasm. Safety must always come first; we never compromise on safety for the sake of achieving another objective. Employees are also responsible for the health and safety of themselves and each other.

• Lead initiatives that enable and sustain world class composite manufacturing technical competency and proficiency of the Research and Technology organization as needed to meet company goals.
• Supervise a team of engineers, providing technical and project management guidance. Additionally, Lead is responsible for flowing down annual objectives and managing the objective tracking and periodic reviews of performance for the team.
• Provide supervisors with input for engineering/technical project updates and communication as needed by internal and external customers.
• Lead/support the introduction of new composite processes and methods, products, and technologies.
• Lead/support the identification and procurement of new injection/ infusion tooling and equipment.
• Execution of current IRAD and customer-funded projects in addition to building/improving upon existing injection/ infusion methods such as RTM, VARTM, carbonization and graphitization, etc. and tooling/equipment to improve AEC’s core technology.
• Support and lead as necessary to the material characterization of AEC’s unique technologies through fabrication and testing of elements and sub-components.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in technology development and best practices and participate in relevant industry events.

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing their work group including but not limited to: formal evaluations/performance management as set out by the organization, recruitment and developing group cohesion.

Shift

Day

Experience/Education/Skills

Qualifications/Characteristics

Knowledge

• 7+ years’ experience in composite engineering (advanced degree can be substituted for years of experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (degrees in Mechanical or Civil Engineering are preferred), advanced degree is considered a strong plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes for polymer matrix composites.
• Relevant experience in aerospace materials and structures including injection and infusion methods.
• Strong engineering design and mechanical skills particularly in tool design. Knowledge of composite materials mechanical behavior is considered a strong plus.

Skills

• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams in research or development activities
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, etc.)
• MSOffice proficient
• Project Management
• Excellent written and oral communication

Abilities

• Proven problem‑solving skills in teamwork setting
• Willingness to learn
• Willingness to perform “hands‑on” work in a dynamic setting
• Action Oriented; Results Driven; Strong Decision‑making and Customer Focus
• Attention to detail

Clearance Requirements

• Willingness to secure a secret level clearance

Working Conditions

Indoor production environment, duties performed indoors, adequate lighting and comfortable temperatures. Occasional exposure to moderate noise and machinery with mechanical moving parts. Travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally positions self to move an office item >10 lbs.
• Frequently move about the production floor and office area to attend meetings or trainings
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time
• Frequently operates a computer, enters data into systems, verifies information, etc.