Manager Chemical & Process Laboratory

About the role

Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. The Chemical & Processes Engineering manager will establish and execute the chemical and processes strategy for new and legacy rotorcraft programs, leading a team of materials engineers and technicians to support the life‑cycle of design, development, production, and assembly of structural and non‑structural components involving coatings, sealants, surface preparation, auto‑identification, and electroforming. The role provides materials design guidance, part‑finishing requirements, research and evaluation of new materials and processing methods, and development and maintenance of material and process specifications. The team also drives product‑based environmental compliance, focusing on substance identification, data capture, and use of environmentally preferred products, supported by extensive laboratory capabilities for testing, inspection, and qualification.

Responsibilities

• Drive technical decisions on material and processing applications for design, procurement, and manufacturing (internal and supplier) in the Chemical Processes discipline (finishes, coatings, surface preparation, etc.).
• Collaborate with and influence Manufacturing and Quality processes to meet delivery objectives and reduce cost of rework and repair, including participation in Operations Facility and Metrics meetings, Quality Corrective Action Board, and Safety Review Boards.
• Provide supplier support for frozen planning review, supplier audits, vendor process development, supplier letters of disclosure (SLOD), and vendor issues.
• Lead the product‑based environmental compliance strategy and develop solutions to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and global directives.
• Facilitate qualification and implementation of environmentally favorable materials and products.
• Collaborate with Textron business units and develop communication strategies for program teams.
• Manage and develop testing and processing methods for new and existing CPL materials/chemicals to meet aerospace certification and quality requirements.
• Develop and maintain M&P specifications and other command media; execute associated qualification and compliance testing.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics that drive execution while maintaining safe working conditions, exceeding customer requirements, and enabling personnel growth and talent development.

Skills

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in chemicals and processes in the aerospace industry.
• Knowledge of material properties, test methods, failure modes; adhesive bonding; chemical processes, organic and inorganic finishes, corrosion prevention; and/or hazardous material management.
• Ability to prioritize work, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and demonstrated team and project leadership.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to build and maintain effective relationships with customers, internal and external suppliers, and to brief leaders/customers.
• Team‑oriented, action/results oriented, with demonstrated leadership ability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with aerospace industry materials and processing specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced degrees will be considered as additional experience.
• Related degrees with relevant experience will be considered.

Benefits

• Off every other Friday with a 9/80 work schedule.
• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO).
• 120 hours vacation time.
• 12‑13 paid holidays per year.
• 6 weeks parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• On‑site clinic, pharmacy, physical therapy, and licensed counselor.
• Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups.
• Additional programs supporting innovation, purpose, and inclusion.

Schedule

Full‑time, standard (first) shift. Relocation available. On‑site work location in Fort Worth, Texas.