Materials Lab Manager

FMI | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. 

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. 

Your role: FMI is seeking a technical, detail-oriented Materials Lab Manager to join the Research & Technology team. As the Materials Lab Manager, you will build out a specialized laboratory suite designed to evaluate and develop materials destined for extreme environments. Being the Materials Lab Manager means you will be the leader of a world-class elevated temperature characterization lab, responsible for owning state-of-the-art instrumentation and establishing the standard operating procedures that define our research excellence. You will be the "source of truth" for how characterization is performed safely and accurately. Depending on experience as a Materials Lab Manager, you may be responsible for the full lifecycle of characterization—from operation of the equipment and sample preparation to expert data analysis and interpretation.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the installation of advanced analytical tools, such as SEM, DSC, FTIR, RAMAN, GC-MS, etc.
• Draft and finalize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory equipment
• Maintain a pristine, organized lab environment. This includes managing chemical inventory, coordinating gas cylinder deliveries, and performing routine calibration and maintenance on high-end instrumentation
• Actively manage the lab workflow; characterization requests, equipment schedules, delivery of results, etc.
• Act as the focal for safety, quality, and maintenance of the lab
• Operate equipment to analyze a wide variety of materials
• Develop methods for sample preparation and optimize instrument parameters for non-standard samples
• Establish protocols for the precision sectioning, mounting, and polishing of extremely hard, brittle materials using diamond tools and automated polishing systems
• Translate raw data into clear technical reports
•  Depending on experience, summarize findings for cross-functional teams, highlighting critical material properties and anomalies

What we need from you:

• Educational Requirements:
  • Associates and 10+ years of characterization experience
  • BS and 7+ years of characterization experience
  • MS and 5+ years of characterization experience
  • PhD and 2+ years of characterization experience
• Prior experience operating one or more of the following: SEM, DSC, TGA, FTIR, RAMAN, GC-MS, TMA/DMA, XRD, Dilatometry, etc.
• Experience writing standard operating procedures
• Capable of working independently as well as in a team environment
• Respectful, with a strong work ethic
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Basic computer skills; Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook

Preferred:

• Experience managing a characterization laboratory
• Ability to author detailed reports with expert data interpretation and analysis
• Possess an active security clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance

What you'll get from us:

• 16 ETO days
• 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
• Medical / Dental / Vision Effective on Day 1
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement