Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab

About the role

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we’re pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As the Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab, you'll lead the operation at the center of our innovation ecosystem, where new materials, manufacturing processes, and product concepts are transformed into scalable technologies. Your leadership enables the experimentation, validation, and technical execution that accelerate the commercialization of one of the world's most transformative energy technologies.

Responsibilities

• Leads the daily operation of MetOx's R&D characterization laboratory supporting process development, product development, failure analysis, and manufacturing support.
• Supervises, coaches, and develops laboratory technicians while fostering a culture of safety, quality, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Establishes laboratory priorities, allocates resources, and balances competing engineering demands to ensure timely delivery of high-quality analytical results.
• Buils laboratory capability through workforce development, cross-training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads the daily operation of MetOx's Pilot Line and R&D laboratory, overseeing technicians, laboratory operations, equipment readiness, and engineering execution.
• Works closely with Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Equipment Engineering, Materials Science, Quality, and R&D to drive safe, efficient, and disciplined laboratory operations while enabling rapid experimentation, technology development, process scale-up, and the successful transfer of new manufacturing capabilities into production.
• Leads the electrical characterization of HTS conductors, developing robust, accurate, and repeatable test methods supporting R&D and manufacturing.
• Supports engineering development, manufacturing operations, and technology commercialization through technical expertise and data-driven recommendations.
• Ensures accurate sample tracking, data integrity, and technical documentation to support engineering and quality requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to improve laboratory capability, throughput, and diagnostic effectiveness through new test methods, instrumentation, and process improvements.
• Communicates complex technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary stakeholders and leadership.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, calibration programs, consumables, and supporting infrastructure.
• Develops laboratory procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensures compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and laboratory best practices.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, analytical capability, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Five years of engineering experience including prior experience in laboratory operations, pilot manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, or research and development.
• Two years of experience leading technicians, operators, laboratory personnel, or other technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in superconductors, semiconductors, advanced materials, thin films, coatings, batteries, energy technologies, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), laboratory information systems, or process documentation systems.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Analysis, and structured root cause analysis methodologies.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated first-principles understanding of advanced characterization techniques, including the underlying physics, measurement limitations, sources of error, and interpretation of results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate technical teams in a fast-paced research, pilot manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, engineering development, and pilot-scale manufacturing processes.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify operational challenges and implement practical, data-driven solutions.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Strong organizational, planning, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs.

Benefits

We are proud to offer competitive benefits including:

• Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment
• 401(k) match
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
• Education reimbursement
• And more!

  Equal Opportunity Employer

  We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.