Director, Advanced Materials

Role details

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions. The company also offers digital solutions including contractor planning and utility grid resiliency as well as field services including cable testing, rejuvenation and replacement to support our customers as a value-add partner.

We are proud to offer competitive compensation, employee benefits, tuition reimbursement and unlimited growth opportunities. Our more than seven decades of progressive growth can be attributed to our determination to developing innovative systems and solutions, exercising environmental stewardship and enhancing the well-being of the communities in which we work and live. How will you power what’s possible? Location: Cofer Center 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 Business Insights Communicates Effectively Drives Results Manages Ambiguity Manages Complexity Values Differences Skills JIRA Workflow Management Scrum (Software Development) Test Planning Software Development Life Cycle Agile Methodology Influencing Skills Systems Development Life Cycle Process Improvement Analytical Skills Benefits We Offer: 401k with Matching Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision) Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays Long & Short-Term Disability Supplemental Insurance Plans Employee Assistance Program Employee Referral Program Tuition Reimbursement Programs Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities Parental Leave & More Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.