Technology Manager Material Characterization

Job Description Summary

Every turbine blade, wind tower, and power system in the world depends on one thing: materials that can withstand extreme environments and operational stresses.

At GE Vernova Advanced Research, we are not just observing material behavior — we are decoding it at the atomic and microstructural levels. With 150+ active energy-focused programs and partnerships spanning 420+ leading institutions, our researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in materials science to power the global energy transition.

We're looking for a Technology Manager for our Materials Characterization team — a bold technical leader who will guide a world-class team of researchers developing next-generation analytical techniques, microscopy, and non-destructive evaluation methods for GE Vernova's Power, Wind, and Electrification businesses.

This is more than a leadership role. It's a chance to define how the world's most critical energy systems are understood, validated, and optimized for performance.

Job Description

Own & Grow the Technology Portfolio

Build and manage a robust portfolio of research programs that advance the following aspects of materials characterization: microstructural analysis, advanced microscopy (SEM/TEM/X-ray), elemental/phase mapping, and root cause analysis across GE Vernova's Power, Wind, and Electrification businesses.

Lead early-stage technology development with high disruption potential — from first concept through successful transition to the businesses.

Develop multi-generational technology roadmaps that give GE Vernova's businesses a competitive, multi-year strategy for materials reliability and failure analysis.

Partner with Chief Engineers, Chief Scientists, and Senior Principal Engineers to align materials validation strategy with product and manufacturing goals across the enterprise.

Drive Strategy Through Collaboration

Serve as the strategic link between GE Vernova Advanced Research, business units, and external partners including U.S. government agencies.

Work closely with the Technology Director and Mission Leaders to continuously shape and evolve the vision for the Materials Characterization team.

Coordinate disruptive technology efforts with colleagues and GE Vernova's business teams and ensure integration into long-term product and technology plans.

Establish, grow, and maintain strategic external relationships with government agencies, national labs, academic institutions, and industry partners.

Actively represent and promote GE Vernova's research capabilities in the broader scientific and energy community.

Lead, Develop & Inspire Your Team

Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of technologists and researchers — creating a culture where scientific excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.

Champion talent acquisition and retention, recruiting exceptional materials scientists and engineers who raise the bar for the organization.

Provide meaningful coaching, career development, and structured growth opportunities for team members at every level.

Drive adoption of Lean principles, project/program management best practices, and operational discipline across all team activities.

Execute with Operational Excellence

Ensure all programs operate with the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

Own resource planning that balances organizational priorities with individual researcher development goals.

Drive accountability for project execution in a fast-paced, matrixed research environment.

Manage financial stewardship including budget oversight and investment prioritization across the team's program portfolio.

Required Qualifications

Education: PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience — OR — Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

Technical Expertise: 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.

People Leadership: Proven direct management experience leading teams of 3 or more engineers or scientists, with demonstrated ability to develop talent, navigate performance, and build high-performing organizations.

Eligibility Requirements

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; this role is not eligible for immigration or visa sponsorship. This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws. Consistent with U.S. export regulations, we can only consider applicants who are “U.S. persons” as defined by law.

Must be willing to work onsite at GE Vernova Advanced Research, Niskayuna, NY — onsite presence is essential to support hands-on collaboration and direct reports.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated track record of successfully contributing to, writing and/or executing on competitive proposals with U.S. government agencies such as DOE, ARPA-E, DOD, DARPA, or equivalent federal sponsors.

Ability to translate complex technical and business challenges into clear priorities, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes.

Industrial application experience in materials characterization with emphasis on structural materials, coatings, superalloys, and/or functional materials — with direct exposure to the challenges of scaling laboratory analytical solutions into production environments.

Demonstrated success in transitioning R&D technology into commercial or industrial products, including full lifecycle ownership from concept through deployment.

Experience leading or collaborating with global or geographically distributed teams across multiple business functions and engineering disciplines in a matrixed environment.

Familiarity with advanced imaging and diffraction tools, spectroscopic techniques, and data processing methodologies of relevance to advanced materials.

Understanding of customer needs and competitive industry trends in power generation, wind energy, or electrification — with the ability to convert insights into technology strategy.

Track record of building and sustaining a culture of safety and continuous improvement within a technical research or engineering organization.

Experience with Lean methodologies applied in a research, product development, or early-stage technology environment.

Active presence in the professional community through conference participation, publications, or technical society leadership that advances GE Vernova's external reputation.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to present complex materials science concepts to executive and non-technical business audiences.

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GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer . Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $152,400.00 and $254,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.

Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.

This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on October