Material Science Engineering Manager

You’ve discovered something special. A company that cares. Cares about leading the way in construction, engineering, manufacturing and renewable energy. Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully growing to meet market demands. And ─ as “one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” ─ is focused on the mind/body/soul of team members through our Culture of Care.

FTI is searching for a Material Science Engineering Manager to support the Product Engineering team located in Menasha, WI.

The Material Science Engineering Manager will oversee the material science team focused on FTI technologies, components, subsystems, and integrating them into high performance systems. This role requires strong technical expertise combined with leadership skills to drive innovation, development and integration in the material science domain.  The ideal candidate will have experience with material selection and characterization for the data center, e-mobility, energy conversion, energy storage, and power generations markets. The candidate will serve as a technical expert, build, mentor, and manage the material science team, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver solutions, technology development, and ensure project success aligned with business objectives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of experience in material development and power electronics applications
• 5+ years of leadership experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 15+ years in material development and power electronics applications

Travel: 10-25%

Work Schedule: This position works between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, Monday- Friday. Works a sufficient schedule to meet the expectations of the role.

Work Location: This role requires work to be done Onsite from our Menasha, WI office. Our onsite roles include a high level or workplace and schedule flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Responsibilities

• Define material technology roadmap for FTI products.
• Select and qualify advanced materials, substrates, interconnects, and packaging in high-voltage/high-frequency applications. Develop thermal interface materials and insulation systems for power modules.
• Collaborate with design and optimization of various subsystems and systems with material considerations for reliability and performance. Ensure compatibility of materials with electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify advanced materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites) for high-reliability applications. Develop material specifications that ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Perform and conduct material characterization, electrical performance testing under extreme conditions, mechanical, thermal, and chemical property analysis using advanced techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC), etc. Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations for material-related issues and propose corrective actions.
• Develop solutions for heat dissipation, insulation, and electromagnetic shielding using advanced materials. Support modeling and simulation of thermal and electrical properties.
• Optimize material processing methods (casting, forging, additive manufacturing, coating, heat treatment). Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure scalability and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive R&D initiatives for next-generation materials and sustainability solutions. Stay ahead of emerging technologies in material science and integrate them into product development.
• Create and maintain material databases, technical reports, and design guidelines. Ensure compliance with regulatory and environmental standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Create, manage and mentor the FTI material science team. Build a high performing team culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Project & Resource Management: Plan and execute projects within scope, budget, and timeline. Allocate resources effectively and manage supplier’s relationships. Lead material-related projects from concept to implementation, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. Prepare and present technical findings for stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure material and components strategies align with product goals. Engage with external partners, suppliers, and research institutions. Represent the team in executive meetings and technical forums.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to long-term material technology, road maps, and business strategies. Identify opportunities for cost reduction and performance enhancement through material innovation.
• Communication: Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences. Represent the company at conferences, technical forums, and industry events.

Technical Skills

Advanced Material Expertise

• Deep knowledge of dielectric materials, thermal interface compounds, and high-temperature polymers for power electronics.
• Experience with ceramic substrates and metallization techniques for power modules.
• Familiarity with simulation tools (ANSYS, others) and material modeling.

Packaging & Reliability

• Expertise in wire bonding, soldering, sintering, and advanced interconnect technologies.
• Understanding of failure mechanisms such as electromigration, thermal fatigue, and corrosion in electronic assemblies.

Electrical Insulation

• Knowledge of insulation systems for high-voltage applications and electromagnetic shielding materials.
• Familiarity with standards (IEC, UL).

Wide-Bandgap (WBG) Technology Integration

• Expertise in device packaging and thermal/electrical interface optimization.
• Understanding of high frequency switching impacts on material performance.

Manufacturing & Scalability

• Experience with additive manufacturing for power electronics components.
• Knowledge of cost-effective material processing for mass production

Leadership Skills

• Strategic Vision: Ability to define and execute long-term technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives. Proven experience in setting priorities and driving innovation in multidisciplinary teams.
• Team Development: Skilled in building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing engineering teams. Experience in fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Strong capability to make data-driven decisions under uncertainty and tight timelines. Expertise in resolving technical and organizational challenges effectively.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to executives, customers, and non-technical audiences. Skilled in managing relationships with suppliers, research institutions, and external partners.
• Project & Resource Management: Demonstrated success in managing budgets, timelines, and resources for large-scale engineering programs. Familiarity with Agile or Stage-Gate methodologies for product development.
• Organizational Change Leadership: Ability to lead organizational change initiatives and implement innovative technologies across global teams.
• Proven record of managing multidisciplinary engineering teams and leading complex material projects to deliver innovative solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience with sustainability initiatives and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The job description and responsibilities described are intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

How Does FTI Give YOU the Chance to Thrive?

If you’re energized by new challenges, FTI provides you with many opportunities. Joining FTI opens doors to redefine what’s possible for your future.

Once you’re a team member, you’re supported and provided with the knowledge and resources to achieve your career goals with FTI. You’re officially in the driver’s seat of your career, and FTI’s career development and continued education programs give you opportunities to position yourself for success.

FTI is a “merit to the core” organization. We recognize and reward top performers, offering competitive, merit-based compensation, career path development and a flexible and robust benefits package.

Benefits are the Game-Changer

We provide industry-leading benefits as an investment in the lives of team members and their families. You’re invited to review the full list of FTI benefits available to regular/full-time team members. Start here. Grow here. Succeed here. If you’re ready to learn more about your career with FTI, apply today!

Faith Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – veterans/disabled.