Critical Minerals Advanced Lead Materials Engineer

Job Description Summary

The Critical Minerals Advanced Lead Materials Engineer will be part of a business-critical, mission-based team dedicated to ensuring supply chain continuity of rare earth and other critical minerals used across all GE Aerospace products. This materials engineering leader will serve as the technical focal on a cross-functional team of engineering, procurement and operations personnel who will
1) mature GE’s understanding of where all critical minerals & elements originate from today,
2) define and prioritize elemental risks, and
3) build & execute a strategy to reduce these risks to secure both short- and long-term supply stability.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with GE Research Center and Engineering Material Systems to identify new material technology opportunities that reduce or eliminate GE Aerospace reliance on critical minerals, with a focus in coatings and/or metallic alloys
• Participate in cross-functional engineering and research teams to execute on MRL/TRL programs
• Collaborate on technical responses and presentations to internal and external customer RFIs and funding opportunities
• Participate in US government and industry technical forums, conferences, and committees related to critical minerals
• Assist in vetting new critical mineral sources and technology; visit with and provide technical assessment of the technology and operations for new critical mineral mines, processing facilities, refineries and labs
• Consult with MAE and design hardware owners to identify and execute on material specification updates and design changes
• Requires specialized knowledge within material coatings or metallic alloys, and/or, understanding of mineral processing (mining, refining, processing)
• Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market
• Uses some judgment and has some ability to propose different solutions outside of set parameters to address more complicated manufacturing processes with technical variety and/or interdependent production cycles. Uses technical experience and analytical thinking. Uses multiple internal and limited external sources outside of own teams to arrive at decisions.
• Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. May lead small projects with low risks and resource requirements. Explains information; developing skills to bring team members to consensus around topics within field. Conveys performance expectations and may handle sensitive issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree accredited college or university (or a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 4 years of experience in Materials, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering or related discipline)
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Materials, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Desired Characteristics

• Enthusiastic and self-motivated learner
• Positive influence on team culture
• Technical expertise in either coating material systems and/or metallic alloys
• Understanding of the rare earth and raw mineral development process, including mining, processing, refinement and conversion process from oxide to metal
• Strong ability to indirectly influence others, drive change, and align cross-functional and horizontal teams to success
• Experience engaging with and presenting to external customers and suppliers on broad technical issues
• Demonstrated clear thinker – able to solve complex technical challenges and communicate actions/solutions in clear concise manner that drives impact
• Prior experience leading material development TRL programs and/or developing proposals for external engagements
• Makes decisions and manages conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment - must be able to take ownership of issues and drive solutions
• Readily demonstrates humility and transparency while interfacing with both internal and external colleagues
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs / projects.
• Ability to document, plan, market, and execute…