Technology Manager Material Characterization

GE Vernova, Inc.; Town of Niskayuna (NY); On-site; USD 168,000 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Vernova Advanced Research in Niskayuna, NY seeks a senior leader to own and grow its technology portfolio in materials characterization, including microstructural analysis, SEM/TEM/X-ray, and failure analysis. The role partners with Chief Engineers and external partners to align validation with manufacturing goals and drive disruptive early-stage technology.

You will lead a high-performing team, recruit and develop talent, and apply Lean and PM practices across programs while maintaining

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s with specified years of experience.
• 5+ years leading technical programs or R&D in advanced materials characterization, failure analysis, microscopy, or related discipline.
• Proven direct management experience leading teams of 3+ engineers or scientists.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow the technology portfolio across materials characterization.
• Lead early-stage technology development from concept to business transition.
• Develop multi-generational technology roadmaps and alignment with product/manufacturing goals.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to shape validation strategy.
• Serve as strategic link between research, business units, and external partners.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team with Lean and PM discipline.
• Ensure safety, quality, and compliance in all programs.
• Own resource planning and budget oversight.

Skills

Technical Expertise

People Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Metallurgy, or related

Master's degree

Tools

SEM

TEM

X-ray

Data processing

Job description

Job Description Summary

Activities aimed at proving a concept to be valid or technically feasible by the application of scientific and engineering methodologies. Work in this family typically has the objective of demonstrating through test or analyses the performance and implementation potential of a concept Owns/influences budgets and operating plans. The role is guided by operating policy. Works with cross functional teams. The role has autonomy within the operational area or a segment within a larger business unit. The role may have a major impact on a small business unit or Family within a Function or P&L. High levels of evaluative judgment and operational acumen are required to achieve outcomes.

Job Description

Own & Grow the Technology Portfolio

• Build and manage a robust portfolio of research programs that advance the following aspects of materials characterization: microstructural analysis, advanced microscopy (SEM/TEM/X-ray), elemental/phase mapping, and root cause analysis across GE Vernova's Power, Wind, and Electrification businesses.

• Lead early-stage technology development with high disruption potential — from first concept through successful transition to the businesses.

• Develop multi-generational technology roadmaps that give GE Vernova's businesses a competitive, multi-year strategy for materials reliability and failure analysis.

• Partner with Chief Engineers, Chief Scientists, and Senior Principal Engineers to align materials validation strategy with product and manufacturing goals across the enterprise.

Drive Strategy Through Collaboration

• Serve as the strategic link between GE Vernova Advanced Research, business units, and external partners including U.S. government agencies.

• Work closely with the Technology Director and Mission Leaders to continuously shape and evolve the vision for the Materials Characterization team.

• Coordinate disruptive technology efforts with colleagues and GE Vernova's business teams and ensure integration into long-term product and technology plans.

• Establish, grow, and maintain strategic external relationships with government agencies, national labs, academic institutions, and industry partners.

• Actively represent and promote GE Vernova's research capabilities in the broader scientific and energy community.

Lead, Develop & Inspire Your Team

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of technologists and researchers — creating a culture where scientific excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.

• Champion talent acquisition and retention, recruiting exceptional materials scientists and engineers who raise the bar for the organization.

• Provide meaningful coaching, career development, and structured growth opportunities for team members at every level.

• Drive adoption of Lean principles, project/program management best practices, and operational discipline across all team activities.

Execute with Operational Excellence

• Ensure all programs operate with the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

• Own resource planning that balances organizational priorities with individual researcher development goals.

• Drive accountability for project execution in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment.

• Manage financial stewardship including budget oversight and investment prioritization across the team's program portfolio.

Required Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience — OR — Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

• Technical Expertise: 5+ years of hands‑on experience leading technical programs or R&D efforts in advanced materials characterization, failure analysis, microscopy, or a closely related analytical discipline.

• People Leadership: Proven direct management experience leading teams of 3 or more engineers or scientists, with demonstrated ability to develop talent, navigate performance, and build high-performing organizations.

Eligibility Requirements

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; this role is not eligible for immigration or visa sponsorship. This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws. Consistent with U.S. export regulations, we can only consider applicants who are “U.S. persons” as defined by law.

• Must be willing to work onsite at GE Vernova Advanced Research, Niskayuna, NY — onsite presence is essential to support hands‑on collaboration and direct reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of successfully contributing to, writing and/or executing on competitive proposals with U.S. government agencies such as DOE, ARPA‑E, DOD, DARPA, or equivalent federal sponsors.

• Ability to translate complex technical and business challenges into clear priorities, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes.

• Industrial application experience in materials characterization with emphasis on structural materials, coatings, superalloys, and/or functional materials — with direct exposure to the challenges of scaling laboratory analytical solutions into production environments.

• Demonstrated success in transitioning R&D technology into commercial or industrial products, including full lifecycle ownership from concept through deployment.

• Experience leading or collaborating with global or geographically distributed teams across multiple business functions and engineering disciplines in a matrixed environment.

• Familiarity with advanced imaging and diffraction tools, spectroscopic techniques, and data processing methodologies of relevance to advanced materials.

• Understanding of customer needs and competitive industry trends in power generation, wind energy, or electrification — with the ability to convert insights into technology strategy.

• Track record of building and sustaining a culture of safety and continuous improvement within a technical research or engineering organization.

• Experience with Lean methodologies applied in a research, product development, or early-stage technology environment.

• Active presence in the professional community through conference participation, publications, or technical society leadership that advances GE Vernova's external reputation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to present complex materials science concepts to executive and non-technical business audiences.

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $167,640.00 and $279,400.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.

Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.