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 between. That 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 skills—you’ll 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 you’ll consider joining our team.

Leads the Materials Science & Technology (MSAT) team within Swagelok’s 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 processes, and surface engineering across Swagelok’s 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 team’s 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 Swagelok’s 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 elevate all Swagelok associate policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Approximate # of direct reports (if applicable) – 7–12 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field required;
  Master’s degree strongly preferred, PhD desired.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in materials science, metallurgy, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience…