Senior Manager, Material Characterization Scientist

Independently conduct and lead routine and non-routine analysis, manage equipment maintenance and calibration, document findings, and write reports while collaborating with teams to support R&D projects that drive the Company’s growth. The Analytical Science team accelerates end-to-end R&D innovation and commercialization, supporting ingredients, packaging, and dispensing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate new analytical methods and capabilities.
• Conduct routine and non-routine material characterization testing.
• Ensure timely and accurate results for R&D projects.
• Interact with clients to define analytical needs and deliver business-relevant insights.
• Compile, interpret, document, and report analytical findings.
• Organize and lead projects, prioritizing workflow and task schedules.
• Acquire and establish new analytical capabilities, including identifying, acquiring, and validating new instruments.
• Maintain and ensure performance of analytical instruments.
• Act as a subject matter expert in material characterization for packaging and equipment materials.
• Attend client meetings, present findings, and conduct literature searches to stay current with trends.
• Communicate complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Apply Good Laboratory Practices and quality management systems.
• Protect proprietary information related to internal and external intellectual property.
• Apply project management principles to ensure successful project completion.

Requirements

• Ph.D. preferred; Master’s Degree (thesis-based) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science required.
• Ph.D.: 5–7+ years of relevant experience; MS: 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Industry experience (5+ years with Ph.D. or 8+ years with MS) in material characterization, particularly for food/beverage packaging.
• Deep hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation, including:
  • Thermal Analysis (DSC, TGA, etc.)
  • Thermomechanical Analysis (DMA, Rheology, Mechanical Tensile/Compression Testing)
  • Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
  • FTIR and UV-Vis Spectroscopy
  • Sample preparation techniques (e.g., mini-compounder, injection molding)
• Desirable additional experience with SEM-EDS, X-Ray Computed Tomography, XRF, AFM, and Mass Spectrometry.
• Expertise in method development, validation, and qualitative/quantitative analysis of chemicals and elements.
• Strong problem-solving, project leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to acquire new knowledge and skills in analytical science and chemistry.

Skills

• Advanced field specialty in Material Science, with the ability to integrate and apply techniques to complex problems.
• High-throughput testing of packaging, ingredients, intermediates, and finished products.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and quality management systems.
• Executive communication skills to articulate deep scientific information clearly and concisely.
• Project management principles and prioritization skills.
• Curious and innovative mindset, with the ability to translate scientific insights into actionable business solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and adaptability to changing business needs.

Leadership Behaviors

• Be the Role Model: Motivate others through integrity and courage in professional and personal actions.
• Make Courageous Choices and foster innovation.
• Thrive in Ambiguity and set strategic agendas.
• Envision the Future and act as a change agent with an enterprise mindset.
• Help People Be Their Best Selves: Champion growth, build inclusion, and develop talent.
• Growth Mindset: Demonstrate curiosity and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
• Smart Risk: Make bold decisions and recommendations.
• Externally Focused: Understand upstream and downstream implications of work and share external trends.
• Performance Driven & Accountable: Maintain high performance standards and outperform peers.
• Fast/Agile: Remove barriers, experiment, adapt, and thrive under pressure.
• Empowered: Bring solutions, challenge the status quo, and take unpopular stances when necessary.

This role does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.