Director, Advanced Materials

Job Summary

Southwire is seeking a scientific leader to bring together three capabilities deep materials expertise, manufacturing knowledge, and computational discovery. The Director will strengthen the scientific foundation of our copper and aluminum operations while establishing a faster, more predictive approach to developing materials and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the investigation and resolution of complex materials and manufacturing challenges affecting quality, scrap, throughput, process stability, and the use of recycled copper and aluminum.
• Integrate metallurgy, materials characterization, plant data, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence to identify root causes and develop durable solutions.
   Provide scientific leadership for Southwire’s Materials Intelligence Platform, connecting laboratory, manufacturing, and materials data to support predictive analysis and accelerated discovery.
• Develop validated models that allow teams to evaluate material and process changes before committing to full-scale production trials.
• Direct the discovery, evaluation, and scale-up of new alloys, conductor materials, insulation systems, coatings, and thermal-management technologies.
• Establish a long-term roadmap for materials characterization, computational materials science, AI-guided experimentation, and laboratory automation.
• Define rigorous standards for experimentation, data integrity, technical validation, manufacturing scale-up, and safe implementation.
• Build internal capability by developing technical talent, preserving critical knowledge, and ensuring that learning from one facility benefits the broader organization.
• During the first year, deliver measurable progress on selected manufacturing priorities, demonstrate a high-value application of the Materials Intelligence Platform, and establish a prioritized plan for materials capability and infrastructure
• Lead the investigation and resolution of complex materials and manufacturing challenges affecting quality, scrap, throughput, process stability, and the use of recycled copper and aluminum.

Required Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Doctorate Degree in Materials Science/Metallurgical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, or a related technical discipline.

Years of Experience: 8-11 Years

Field of Expertise: 

•    progressive experience in research, advanced technology development, innovation strategy, engineering, corporate development, venture investing, or related technical fields.
•    Experience evaluating emerging technologies and translating technical concepts into business opportunities.
•    Demonstrated success building partnerships across industry, academia, startups, and research institutions.

Preferred Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Master's degree - MBA or demonstrated business leadership experience 

Years of Experience: 5+ Years

Preferred Field of Experise:

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Future Grid Technologies
• Smart Grids
• Microgrids
• Sustainability Technologies
• Advanced Materials
• Industrial Automation

Other Preferred Skills, Licenses, & Certificates:

•    Experience supporting corporate innovation, venture capital, or technology scouting initiatives.
•    Knowledge of technology commercialization and intellectual property management.
•    Experience working with utility, construction, manufacturing, or energy markets.

Spans of Control

Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members: Yes Number of Direct Reports: 2-5

Travel

Travel: Up to 25%; Domestic

Physical Requirements

Standing: 5%

Sitting: 90%

Walking: 5%

Working Conditions

Office

Laboratory

Equipment

Computer/Keyboard

Competencies

Skills