Director of Materials Science

Summary

Join WSI, a global leader in automated pressure equipment repairs, as their Director of Material Sciences. This strategic role provides technical oversight for material selection, corrosion/erosion evaluation, and welding, while leading the Thermal Spray project portfolio. You will be responsible for technical reviews, stakeholder support, and R&D of proprietary materials and welding processes. The position requires extensive experience in high-velocity thermal spray project execution and strong project management skills. Success in this role demands exceptional communication and analytical abilities, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external teams. Travel is approximately 30% of the role.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in field-applied high velocity thermal spray large project execution (>$2M) that includes engineering, subcontractor management, extensive planning, and field implementation
• Field Construction & Project Management experience (High Velocity Thermal Spray Process & Application)
• Heavy Industrial Facilities experience: Refining, Upgrading, Petrochemical, Power, Pulp & Paper, Steel, WTE
• Consultative Customer/Sales interaction experience
• Strong project management skills and experience with short- and long-range strategic planning
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple internal and external customer needs
• Exceptional analytical skills
• Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, listening) with the ability to communicate across all levels within the organization
• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in mechanical, materials, welding or surface technologies engineering or a related technical field

Responsibilities

• Serve as focal point for welding engineering, thermal spray, and metallurgical issues
• Work with all groups to establish WSI as the technical industry leader
• Serve as focal point for issues/questions regarding interpretation, application, and intent of Codes and Standards governing welding, spraying, and inspection activities (ASME, ASNT, AWS, ANSI, NBIC, API, NACE level II, and other US, European, South American, Canadian Codes / Standards, as well as specific customer specifications)
• Provide direction to the Thermal Spray Project Management & Execution Teams in delivering a world-class service solution to our valued client-partners
• Supports execution of technology development projects and technical support to meet company objectives
• Evaluate new materials for weldability. Evaluate metallurgical and welding characteristics and perform testing to assess potential benefits. When warranted, add these materials to WSI’s arsenal of welding procedures
• Collaborate with, support, and educate commercial operation and sales teams regarding technical elements of High Velocity Thermal Spray
• Propose and oversee implementation of research and development, product development, and technical support initiatives for continued improvement of WSI’s products and services. Continuously pursue improved methods that reduce our costs and improve our effectiveness in the marketplace
• Represent WSI interests in industry committees, conferences, and other industry initiatives related to welding engineering and metallurgy. Participate effectively, pursuing changes that reduce unwarranted costs and contribute to company competitiveness. Submit reports and give technical presentations to industry groups on current welding/metallurgy/coating issues to enhance customer recognition of WSI as an industry leader
• Interface with customer Quality Control/Quality Assurance personnel to provide direction on issues related to welding & coating quality. Interface with Authorized Inspectors/Authorized Nuclear Inspectors to explain/resolve issues related to governing Codes and Standards
• Provide technical support with industry relationships with WSI’s customer base in support of WSI’s positioning in their markets
• Collaborate with Director, Project Management in mentoring and educating Project Managers, Field Supervisors and Coordinators in support of the Company’s product line goals and market leadership position
• Approximately 30% travel to client facilities
• Other duties as assigned by the business leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Computer Aided Design experience
• Structural Design experience
• A PhD degree