Technology Manager Material Characterization

GE Vernova•Elgin Township, IL

5d•$167,640 - $279,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Technology Manager Material Characterization owns and grows a portfolio of research programs that advance materials characterization, including microstructural analysis, advanced microscopy, elemental and phase mapping, and root cause analysis across GE Vernova’s Power, Wind, and Electrification businesses. The role leads early-stage technology development from initial concept through transition to business use and develops multi-generational technology roadmaps for materials reliability and failure analysis. It partners with senior technical leaders to align materials validation strategy with product and manufacturing goals. The position serves as a strategic link between GE Vernova Advanced Research, business units, and external partners, including U.S. government agencies, national labs, academic institutions, and industry partners. It collaborates with the Technology Director, Mission Leaders, colleagues, and business teams to shape the team’s vision and integrate technology efforts into long-term plans, while representing GE Vernova’s research capabilities in the scientific and energy communities. The role leads and develops a team of technologists and researchers, supports hiring and retention, provides coaching and career development, and promotes Lean principles and project management practices. It is responsible for resource planning, program execution, safety, quality, compliance, budgets, and investment prioritization in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment. The position is onsite at GE Vernova Advanced Research in Niskayuna, New York. U.S. work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available, and applicants must qualify as U.S. persons under export-control laws.

Requirements

PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline with at least 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience leading technical programs or R&D efforts in advanced materials characterization, failure analysis, microscopy, or a closely related analytical discipline.
Direct management experience leading teams of at least 3 engineers or scientists, including developing talent, navigating performance, and building high-performing organizations.
Legal authorization to work in the United States; the role is not eligible for immigration or visa sponsorship.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under applicable U.S. export-control laws.
Must be willing to work onsite at GE Vernova Advanced Research in Niskayuna, New York.

Nice To Haves

Track record of contributing to, writing, or executing competitive proposals with U.S. government agencies such as DOE, ARPA-E, DOD, or DARPA, or equivalent federal sponsors.
Ability to translate complex technical and business challenges into clear priorities, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes.
Industrial materials characterization experience, particularly with structural materials, coatings, superalloys, or functional materials, and exposure to scaling laboratory analytical solutions into production.
Success transitioning R&D technology into commercial or industrial products, with lifecycle ownership from concept through deployment.
Experience leading or collaborating with global or geographically distributed teams across business functions and engineering disciplines in a matrixed environment.
Familiarity with advanced imaging and diffraction tools, spectroscopic techniques, and relevant data-processing methodologies.
Understanding of customer needs and competitive trends in power generation, wind energy, or electrification, and ability to translate insights into technology strategy.
Track record of building and sustaining a culture of safety and continuous improvement in a technical research or engineering organization.
Experience applying Lean methodologies in research, product development, or early-stage technology environments.
Active professional-community participation through conferences, publications, or technical society leadership.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting complex materials science concepts to executive and non-technical business audiences.

Responsibilities

Build and manage research programs in microstructural analysis, advanced microscopy, elemental and phase mapping, and root cause analysis across GE Vernova’s Power, Wind, and Electrification businesses.
Lead early-stage technology development from concept through transition to the businesses.
Develop multi-generational technology roadmaps for materials reliability and failure analysis.
Partner with Chief Engineers, Chief Scientists, and Senior Principal Engineers to align materials validation strategies with product and manufacturing goals.
Connect GE Vernova Advanced Research, business units, and external partners, including U.S. government agencies.
Work with the Technology Director and Mission Leaders to shape and evolve the Materials Characterization team’s vision.
Coordinate disruptive technology efforts with colleagues and business teams and integrate them into long-term product and technology plans.
Establish and maintain relationships with government agencies, national labs, academic institutions, and industry partners.
Represent and promote GE Vernova’s research capabilities in the scientific and energy communities.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of technologists and researchers.
Support talent acquisition and retention, and provide coaching, career development, and structured growth opportunities.
Drive adoption of Lean principles, project and program management practices, and operational discipline.
Ensure programs meet safety, quality, and compliance standards.
Plan resources to balance organizational priorities with researcher development goals.
Drive accountability for project execution in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment.
Oversee budgets and prioritize investments across the team’s program portfolio.