Director, Materials & Processes

Samson Rose has partnered with a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing and robotics company to find a Director of Materials & Processes to lead their Materials Engineering team. This is a high-impact leadership role driving the innovation, qualification, and implementation of next-generation materials and processes across aerospace and automotive programs. You’ll define the materials roadmap, collaborate with engineering and government partners, and guide a team that’s transforming how complex hardware is designed and built.

• They’ve developed a fully integrated, AI-driven manufacturing system reshaping how vehicles and aerospace components are produced.
• Their technology enables faster, more flexible, and more sustainable production at scale.
• They are an established Tier 1 supplier for global OEMs and expanding into defense applications.
• They operate a large, state-of-the-art facility in Torrance, CA.
• The team is mission-driven, innovative, and highly collaborative.

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in a leadership role within materials engineering or a similar field.
• Proven background applying material requirements and performing material qualification for aerospace or automotive designs.
• Ability to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team while setting priorities and achieving key milestones.
• Experience managing materials specifications, requirements, and root cause investigations.
• Knowledge of fracture control and nondestructive inspection methods for metal additive manufacturing.

• PhD in Materials Science or a related field.
• Deep expertise in mechanical behavior of materials, metallurgy, polymers, additive manufacturing, or nondestructive evaluation.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as metallography, microscopy, and mechanical testing.
• Experience introducing new materials, coatings, or adhesives into production environments.
• Strong first-principles approach to root cause analysis and failure prevention.

• Competitive salary, equity plan, and results-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and disability coverage (HMO and PPO options).
• Paid vacation, holidays, and year-end shutdown.
• Paid parental leave and family-friendly programs.
• Reimbursement for professional development and continuous learning.
• Collaborative, high-performing culture focused on innovation and excellence.

If this role is of interest to you, please apply with your current resume. We’ll reach out to schedule an initial conversation.