Lead Scientist, Analytical and Thermal Analysis

Job Description Summary

Activities aimed at applying advanced scientific methodologies to determine material composition, thermal behavior, phase stability, and degradation characteristics in support of technology development and product performance objectives. Work in this family typically has the objective of generating and interpreting characterization data that informs materials selection, process development, qualification, and root cause resolution. Serves as a recognized technical authority within the discipline.

Independently defines approaches to complex, ambiguous technical problems and influences the direction of characterization strategy across multiple programs. Provides technical guidance to scientists, engineers, and laboratory personnel, and communicates complex analytical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Act as the enterprise subject matter expert for thermal analysis and chemical analysis techniques and their application across materials development and product programs.
• Design, execute, and interpret thermal characterization experiments using DSC, TGA, SDT, DVA, and related thermal and thermomechanical methods.
• Design, execute, and interpret chemical and compositional analyses using LECO combustion analysis, ICP (ICP-OES/ICP-MS), and related analytical chemistry techniques.
• Apply a rigorous first-principles understanding of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, phase transformations, oxidation and degradation mechanisms, and analytical chemistry to interpret data and draw defensible technical conclusions.
• Characterize a wide range of material systems, including metallic alloys, ceramics, coatings, polymers, composites, and powders.
• Define characterization strategies and experimental plans that answer specific engineering and research questions, rather than executing tests in isolation.
• Develop, validate, and document new analytical methods and measurement protocols to extend laboratory capability and improve data quality and reproducibility.
• Lead complex data interpretation efforts, including deconvolution of overlapping thermal events, uncertainty assessment, and correlation of thermal and chemical data with microstructure and performance.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations through targeted thermal and chemical characterization.
• Own technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, method validation records, and technical reports.
• Provide technical mentorship and training to scientists, engineers, and laboratory technicians on thermal and chemical analysis methods and data interpretation.
• Support instrument selection, qualification, calibration strategy, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of laboratory operations.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited university or college.
• 3+ years of industrial R&D experience applying thermal and chemical characterization techniques to materials problems.
• 3+ years of experience with chemical analysis techniques including LECO and ICP.
• 3+ years of experience characterizing multiple material classes, including alloys, ceramics, coatings, and polymers.
• 3+ years of experience designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and defending technical conclusions.

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise with thermal analysis techniques including DSC, TGA, SDT, and DVA.
• Strong first-principles understanding of the physics and chemistry underlying each technique, including instrument response, calibration fundamentals, sources of error, and limits of interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to author…