Materials Science Engineering Manager

Shift:1st shift

City:Solon

Swagelok Northeast Ohio USA

Swagelok is a global organization and one of the largest employers of manufacturing talent in Northeast Ohio. We are driven by our core values of Quality Integrity Respect for the Individual Customer Focus Innovation and Continuous Improvement which are demonstrated through our daily actions. For over 75 years our dedication to our core values has been the foundation for our success. Our products have been up into space down to the bottom of the ocean and everywhere in same dedication spans to our customers.

Throughout our organization we demonstrate a commitment to these values and those we bring onboard. Whether you want to grow in your role or explore broad opportunities and develop new skillsyoull thrive in a culture that promotes learning and development.

We strive to be a company where we all can do our best work with a true sense of purpose and belonging.

Be Connected. Be Valued. Be You.

We hope youll consider joining our team.

Leads the Materials Science & Technology (MSAT) team within Swageloks Engineering organization managing a team of materials scientists and engineers who support both day-to-day operational needs and research & development. Provides deep technical leadership in materials characterization failure analysis materials selection corrosion chemistry chemical proceses and surface engineering across Swageloks product portfolio and manufacturing operations. Drives a balanced project agenda of business sustaining initiatives and knowledge and longer-horizon R&D. Partners with cross-functional teams including Sourcing Product Engineering Manufacturing Product Investigations and Quality to translate materials science expertise into measurable business outcomes.

• Lead develop and retain a team of materials scientists engineers and technicians; set clear performance expectations provide ongoing coaching and build succession depth within the team.
• Direct the MSAT teams project portfolio balancing near-term operational support with longer-range R&D investments and ensuring alignment with business priorities.
• Apply cost-vs-impact thinking to prioritize materials research projects; evaluate and communicate the business value of R&D investments to senior leadership.
• Oversee materials characterization failure analysis material selection corrosion chemistry chemical processes surface engineering and related laboratory activities.
• Define and communicate a clear team strategy aligned with Swageloks broader engineering and product development objectives.
• Manage department operating budget including planning tracking variances identifying cost-reduction opportunities and overseeing capital equipment investments.
• Build and sustain relationships with external research institutions suppliers and industry networks to maintain awareness of advances in materials science and emerging technologies.
• Drive talent development through structured individual development plans mentoring and targeted training programs; actively engage in succession planning.
• Communicate departmental project status resource needs and strategic priorities to senior leadership through regular reporting and presentations.
• As a leader you are expected to know enforce and appropriately escalate all Swagelok associate policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Approximate # of direct reports (if applicable) 712 materials scientists engineers and technicians (direct reports); may also provide indirect technical guidance to laboratory technicians or contractors.

Budget responsibility (if applicable) Department operating budget including wages laboratory supplies capital equipment and R&D project expenses.

• Bachelors degree in Materials Science Metallurgy Polymer Science Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field required; Masters degree strongly preferred PHD desired.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in materials science metallurgy or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 35 years of experience in a formal leadership role managing engineers or technical professionals.
• Demonstrated track record of managing both business sustaining/operational and R&D/innovation work simultaneously in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to translate materials science expertise into practical engineering and business solutions including cost-benefit analysis of technical decisions.
• Experience working in precision manufacturing fluid handling or related industries preferred.
• Knowledge of Swagelok products fluid system components Semiconductor or Oil/Gas/Chemical applications preferred

Essential for Day One:

• Managing Complexity: Analyzes multifaceted technical and organizational problems and distills them into clear actionable plans; comfortable operating with ambiguity and competing priorities.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Builds strong trust-based relationships across functions and levels of the organization; communicates with clarity empathy and credibility.
• Influence: Drives alignment and commitment without direct authority; effectively advocates for team direction resources and technical priorities.
• Organizational Agility: Understands how to navigate organizational dynamics to accomplish goals; adapts leadership approach based on context and stakeholder needs.
• Business & Financial Acumen: Applies cost-vs-impact thinking to materials R&D decisions; understands the financial implications of technical choices and communicates them clearly.
• Developing Direct Reports & Others: Actively builds bench strength; creates meaningful development plans and career pathways for team members; invests in talent retention.

Can Be Developed in Role:

• Strategic Mindset: Connects MSAT capabilities to Swageloks longer-term product materials and market strategy.
• Decision Quality: Makes sound decisions under uncertainty drawing on data stakeholder input and materials science expertise.
• Cross-functional Knowledge: Builds familiarity with Sourcing Product Management Marketing and Manufacturing/Operations to increase organizational impact.
• External Market Awareness: Develops ongoing knowledge of emerging materials technologies supplier landscape and competitive dynamics relevant to Swageloks business.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA FMLA and other federal state and local standards including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular punctual attendance consistent with the ADA FMLA and other federal state and local standards.
• Office and laboratory environment; may require occasional work in manufacturing or test areas which may require use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Swagelok provides a comprehensive package of valuable benefits called Total Rewards focused on health and wellness compensation retirement planning and supplemental rewards.

To apply:

1. Click Apply Now to the role of interest upload your resume and complete the application.

2. Those that match our qualifications will be contacted to schedule a phone interview.

Congratulations on taking the first step to Be Connected. Be Valued. Be You.

Swagelok is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are selected without regard to race ethnicity creed color religion sex pregnancy pregnancy-related medical conditions age national origin or ancestry disability genetic information veteran/military status sexual orientation gender identity or other protected characteristic under federal state or local law.

Swagelok will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 and Ohio state law.

This job summary is intended to be brief and does not list all the duties for this position. Nothing in this job description should be construed as an express or implied contract of employment. Swagelok is an at-will employer which means that either party is free to terminate the employment relationship at any time without any advanced notice for any reason or no reason.

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