Sr Engineering Manager, Piezo Ceramics

CTS Corp.

Albuquerque (NM)

Hybrid

USD 130,000 - 185,000

Full time

6 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

401K

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

CTS Corporation seeks an Engineering Manager for Piezo Ceramics in Albuquerque, NM. You will lead engineers and technicians to develop piezoelectric ceramic materials and related processing technologies, aligning with CTS strategic priorities and customer needs.

You will guide technology transfer to manufacturing, provide mentorship, and collaborate with product management, sales, and operations to enable product launches and business growth while advancing material innovation.

Qualifications

Strong leadership capability to manage and develop engineers.
Deep knowledge of ceramic materials, powder processing, sintering, and formulation.
Experience transferring products from development into manufacturing.
Knowledge of DOE, SPC, MSA, and gage capability.
Analytical, problem-solving, and strong technical decision-making.
Effective collaboration across global teams.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of engineers and technicians focused on piezoelectric ceramics development.
Define goals, resources, and timelines aligned with customer needs and CTS priorities.
Provide mentorship and performance feedback to reports.
Collaborate with product management, sales, and manufacturing for launches and proposals.
Develop and improve piezoelectric materials and processes for performance and manufacturability.
Drive technology transfer from engineering to production with proper documentation and validation.
Support internal and external customers with troubleshooting and recommendations.
Identify, protect, and manage IP related to piezoelectric materials and methods.
Communicate project status, risks, and results clearly in reports and reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Ceramic materials

Transfer to manufacturing

Statistical methods

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's in Ceramic Engineering or related

PhD preferred

Job description

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Description:

About Us:

We are committed to finding smart solutions that enable an intelligent and seamless world. Our success as a world-class leader in technology has evolved from humble beginnings. In 1896, the enterprising father and son team of A.J. and George A. Briggs partnered with S.A. Buffington, a Chicago lawyer, to establish Chicago Telephone Supply Company (later to become CTS).

Today, CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators, and electronic components for suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. We have over 20 locations in 12 countries and more than 3,500 employees. Our innovative sensing, connectivity, and motion solutions offer a diverse range of products across diversified end markets including transportation, medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial. We are at the forefront of supporting innovating life-changing technology, focusing on quality to keep people safe, healthy, and happy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The 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 US

At 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?

United States EEO Statement

CTS Corporation is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer who complies with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CTS Corporation will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It has been and shall continue to be both the official policy and the commitment of CTS Corporation to further equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of, among other characteristics, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

ADA accommodation statement: If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, call Human Resources at 630.577.8811. All other applications must be submitted online.

United States Additional Considerations

It is unlawful in all states where the Company operates, including Massachusetts, to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates applicable laws may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. The Company does not require a lie detector test as a condition of employment nor continued employment.

Applicants must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

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