Director, Monolithic Technology and Specialty Products

HWI, a member of Calderys, is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States, with manufacturing sites, distribution centers, and the major refractory industry research facility in North America.

About the role

The Director, Monolithic Technology and Specialty Products leads a key department technology team of research scientists, engineers, and technicians. This role collaborates with counterparts in Research, Technical Marketing, Product Management, Sales, Procurement, Quality, and Manufacturing to ensure a concerted effort in developing new offerings and supporting the existing portfolio within the key technology family.

Responsibilities

• Develop new and improved offerings through collaboration with product management, technology marketing, quality, manufacturing, procurement, and commercial sales teams to align with market needs and commercial goals.
• Provide technology support and expertise for existing materials and HWI product offerings.
• Maintain detailed materials roadmaps for all raw material categories, updated raw material technical specifications, and a library of refractory materials technology.
• Lead assigned and shared technology teams in internal and external fundamental research to advance HWI’s understanding of key material technology knowledge.
• Supervise, coach, and develop direct reports and shared technology teams, with safety as a priority.
• Understand competitive offerings and external technology developments relevant to HWI’s key materials technology.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Engineering, Ceramics, Metallurgy, Chemical, Materials Science, or related field.
• MBA preferred.
• Knowledge of scientific method, refractory raw materials, product development, manufacturing processes, and customer applications.
• Strong strategic thinking and technical problem-solving skills.
• Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to speak on technical topics to external parties.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced expertise in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ten plus (10+) years of experience with refractory offerings development and subject matter expertise in refractory technologies.
• Five plus (5+) years of experience supervising technical staff.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Physical Activity: More than 2/3 of time sitting, talking, or hearing; less than 1/3 of time standing, walking, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching, using hands and fingers, and tasting/smelling.
• Lifting: Up to 50 pounds less than 1/3 of the time.
• Vision: Accurate close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Environment: More than 2/3 of time in an office setting; less than 1/3 of time working near moving mechanical parts, in high or precarious places, exposed to outdoor weather, wet/humid conditions, extreme heat, fumes or airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, and/or vibration.
• Noise: Exposure to moderate noise; less than 1/3 of time in loud environments.
• Travel: Approximately 35% domestic and international travel.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Comprehensive benefits packages.
• Wellness programs.

HWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.