Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International were pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As the Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab youll lead the operation at the center of our innovation ecosystem where new materials manufacturing processes and product concepts are transformed into scalable technologies. Your leadership enables the experimentation validation and technical execution that accelerate the commercialization of one of the worlds most transformative energy technologies.

Based at our global headquarters in Houston TX the Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab leads the daily operation of MetOxs Pilot Line and R&D laboratory overseeing technicians laboratory operations equipment readiness and engineering execution. Working closely with Process Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Equipment Engineering Materials Science Quality and R&D this role drives safe efficient and disciplined laboratory operations while enabling rapid experimentation technology development process scale-up and the successful transfer of new manufacturing capabilities into production.

Laboratory Leadership

• Leads the daily operation of MetOxs R&D characterization laboratory supporting process development product development failure analysis and manufacturing support.
• Supervises coaches and develops laboratory technicians while fostering a culture of safety quality accountability technical rigor and continuous improvement.
• Establishes laboratory priorities allocates resources and balances competing engineering demands to ensure timely delivery of high-quality analytical results.
• Builds laboratory capability through workforce development cross-training and continuous improvement initiatives.

Materials Characterization and Failure Analysis

• Leads failure analysis to identify root causes of process materials and product performance issues using structured scientific problem-solving methodologies.
• Oversees advanced materials characterization including SEM/EDS ICP metallography optical microscopy mechanical testing and related analytical techniques.
• Develops and improves characterization methods for high-temperature superconductors thin films and associated materials.
• Correlates microstructure composition and defects with processing conditions and electrical performance to accelerate product development and improve manufacturing yield.
• Evaluates analytical data identifies trends and communicates technical findings and recommendations to cross-functional engineering teams.

Superconductor Testing

• Leads electrical characterization of HTS conductors including transport critical current (Ic) in-field performance and other superconducting measurements.
• Develops robust accurate and repeatable test methods supporting R&D and manufacturing.
• Applies analytical chemistry techniques including ICP DSC TGA NMR Karl Fischer titration GPC and HPLC to support materials characterization process development and root cause investigations.
• Ensures test methods laboratory equipment and measurement systems produce reliable accurate and reproducible results.

Engineering Partnership

• Partners with Process Materials Equipment Manufacturing and Quality teams to support development sustaining engineering and technology transfer.
• Provides technical expertise and data-driven recommendations that support engineering decisions process optimization and manufacturing scale-up.
• Ensures accurate sample tracking data integrity and technical documentation to support engineering and quality requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to improve laboratory capability throughput and diagnostic effectiveness through new test methods instrumentation and process improvements.
• Communicates complex technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary stakeholders and leadership.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintains laboratory equipment calibration programs consumables and supporting infrastructure.
• Develops laboratory procedures standard operating procedures (SOPs) and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensures compliance with safety quality environmental and laboratory best practices.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency analytical capability and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Engineering Materials Science Chemistry Physics Manufacturing Technology or a related technical discipline. An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis depending on relevance and level.
• Five years of engineering experience including prior experience in laboratory operations pilot manufacturing advanced manufacturing or research and development.
• Two years of experience leading technicians operators laboratory personnel or other technical teams.
• Experience supporting engineering development manufacturing operations or technology commercialization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Engineering Materials Science Chemistry Physics Manufacturing or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in superconductors semiconductors advanced materials thin films coatings batteries energy technologies or other advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing 5S or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) laboratory information systems or process documentation systems.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE) Statistical Process Control (SPC) Failure Analysis and structured root cause analysis methodologies.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated first-principles understanding of advanced characterization techniques including the underlying physics measurement limitations sources of error and interpretation of results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead develop and motivate technical teams in a fast-paced research pilot manufacturing or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations engineering development and pilot-scale manufacturing processes.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify operational challenges and implement practical data-driven solutions.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing continuous improvement methodologies and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Strong organizational planning communication and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office including occasional standing walking and bending to retrieve documents attend meetings or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required up to 20 lbs.

MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including:

• Health dental and vision available on the first day of employment
• 401(k) match
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
• Educational reimbursement
• And more!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin disability status protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.