Technology Director - Advanced Material Systems - Aerospace Research

GE Aerospace•Elgin Township, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Aerospace Research plays a vital role in supporting the industry and shaping the future of flight, committed to leading the industry, ensuring public and armed forces safety, and uplifting communities. The Technology Director, Advanced Material Systems (AMS) is an executive technology leader responsible for overseeing research and early-stage, game-changing technology development. This role involves setting the materials vision for the next generation of GE Aerospace products and services. The director will lead a global team focused on Materials, Materials Processing and Testing, Advanced Characterization, Chemistry, and Durability & Lifing technologies. This position requires direct partnership across the GE Aerospace enterprise, driving integration between research, product development, and industrialization channels, as well as with external customers. The core function is to translate breakthrough materials science into differentiated performance, reliability, and cost advantages across commercial and military platforms.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline (aerospace engineering, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgy, ceramics, etc.)
Minimum 10 years of experience in progressively more responsible technical positions with at least 3 years leading technical teams.
Experience transitioning technology from research to industry, including developing early TRL materials and maturing them to a level where they can be effectively handed off to the business
Proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization, including executive leadership, technical teams, and external partners.
Demonstrated inspirational leadership, both with direct organizations as well as across organizations without direct reporting relationships.
Ability to build, influence, and sustain strong networks internally with business partners and externally with government agencies, universities, suppliers, and research partners.
Proven ability to formulate, interpret, and administer major technical programs, particularly in metallurgy, ceramic, coatings, durability, chemistry, manufacturing, inspection, composites, and process modeling.
Demonstrated track record of success developing technical leaders and building diverse, high-performing technical teams.
Demonstrated experience in developing and managing operating budgets and aligning investment with strategic priorities.
Ability to develop and implement key strategic initiatives that translate materials technology roadmaps into impactful business outcomes.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
This role requires the successful candidate to maintain a US Government Security Clearance; prerequisite for a security clearance is U.S. Citizenship.
Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, New York
Must be 18 years or older
Ability and willingness to travel internationally as business needs require.
Champion and model the GE Behaviors of Continuous Improvement, Respect for People, and Customer Focus

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in a relevant technical discipline or equivalent research/innovation experience in materials, material processing, chemistry, advanced characterization
Experience working across multiple technical capabilities in AMS (metallurgy, ceramics, chemistry, chemical engineering, coatings, metal and ceramic processing, advanced characterization, mechanical testing, lifing and durability, etc.)
Strong ability to work in a global team setting, with demonstrated effectiveness in leading distributed technical teams.
Proven change agent capable of influencing at all organizational levels
Strong ability to work in a multi-business environment and to develop technology synergies and roadmaps
Strong demonstrated team-based skills, with a focus on collaboration, inclusion, and talent development.
Strong working knowledge of the GE Aerospace business, including trends in advanced materials technologies.
Established network across the global electrical engineering and research communities, including relevant conferences, consortia, and academic/government partners.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to connect complex technical detail to business and mission outcomes.
Ability to work across all functions and levels as part of a team, including engineering, product management, programs, supply chain, and customers.
Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to inspire excellence and stimulate positive change
Possess a current US Government Security Clearance

Responsibilities

Create and drive technical strategies for the global organization, maintain a world-class team, and anticipate future technological needs and focus areas for GE Aerospace and our partners
Foster a culture of technical excellence, teamwork, and respect/trust, promoting collaboration across Material Systems domains and with other research and business teams.
Proactively drive collaboration and integration of teams between the research organization and broader technical network of GE Aerospace, collaboratively shaping programs and developing technically development roadmaps aligned to the priorities of the company.
Serve as a key strategist among the senior leadership team of the research center to influence and shape the innovation vectors of GE Aerospace.
Develop the next generation of technical leaders and researchers in the AMS technical disciplines
Ensure organizational metrics are met, including financial performance, compliance, diversity, and EHS.
Leverage internal and external networks to create innovative new breakthroughs and opportunities that drive strategic growth
Engage in the broader leadership of GE Research, partnering with the Programs Office Director, Technical Fellow community, and the Senior Director to maximize vitality, formulate strategies, and execute on strategic initiatives.
Drive strategy with the Aerospace businesses in identifying and maturing new applications for AMS technologies.
Fostering integration of FLIGHT DECK tools and principles into the organization, including action planning, Leader standard work, structured problem solving, daily and weekly management, 5S.
Build and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with a broad group of key external stakeholders (government agencies, universities, and research partners) and represent the organization to external audiences
Champion key strategic initiatives and drive synergies across domains to enable technological innovation and create long-term growth in the AMS technical community
Model and champion the GE Purpose and GE Leadership Behaviors – Act with Humility, Lead with Transparency, and Deliver with Focus

Benefits

comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing.
Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace
the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions
access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants.
Other benefits include tuition assistance
adoption assistance
paid parental leave
disability insurance
life insurance
paid time-off for vacation or illness.