Team Leader - Material & Analysis Engineering Apply
Job Description
Schaeffler Group -- Team Leader - Material & Analysis Engineering
Schaeffler is a dynamic global technology company and its success has been a result of its
entrepreneurial spirit and long history of private ownership. As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer you many development opportunities. General Information:The Materials & Mechatronics Lab in Deer Park, IL is a highly-equipped design and failure analysis lab whose function is to analyze materials and perform analysis on automotive products using methods such as Xray, SEM, cross sectioning, and FTIR to name a few. The analysis is performed over the entire life cycle of a product with customers from all over Schaeffler in North America. Your Responsibilities:
Schaeffler Motion Tech US
Kenneth R Cummings
entrepreneurial spirit and long history of private ownership. As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer you many development opportunities. General Information:The Materials & Mechatronics Lab in Deer Park, IL is a highly-equipped design and failure analysis lab whose function is to analyze materials and perform analysis on automotive products using methods such as Xray, SEM, cross sectioning, and FTIR to name a few. The analysis is performed over the entire life cycle of a product with customers from all over Schaeffler in North America. Your Responsibilities:
- Advocate for the contributions and expertise of the Mechatronics Department in strategy and resource development across North America.
- Represent the department as a technical expert in meetings, providing informed insights on capabilities and opportunities.
- Lead budget planning and tracking, including departmental operational and capital expenditures, consumable needs, and service contracts for the FA lab.
- Develop and execute MT (Materials Technology) and FA lab strategic management plans.
- Collaborate with teams across multiple countries and cultures to share technologies and drive joint R&D initiatives.
- Resolve conflicts proactively, especially those related to FA lab scheduling and customer expectations.
- Ensure orderliness, cleanliness, and routine preventative maintenance / calibration of lab equipment to ensure operating efficiency with minimal down time.
- Work closely with upper management to ensure team deliverables and expectations are consistently met.
- Provide effective leadership and vision to the NA Electrification Technologies team, aligning with the overarching goals of the ET organization.
- Promote and facilitate the development of skill sets focused on technology development, product integration, and failure analysis within the team.
- Serve as a mentor for junior team members, creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning by setting up training programs and encouraging autonomy balanced with accessible support.
- Manage multiple R&D projects concurrently while tracking department finances, including budgeting and cost control for the Failure Analysis (FA) laboratory.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with other departments to share equipment, improve processes, and generate new ideas.
- Coordinate work efforts with other managers and staff to optimize resource use and departmental efficiency.
- Oversee payments and vendor relations for external services such as equipment calibration and failure analysis support.
- Establish and maintain efficient processes for cost transfers and budget tracking within the organization.
- Assign technical resources to projects and meetings to maximize program success.
- Conduct performance management activities including goal setting, mid-year and final reviews, salary recommendations, and promotion evaluations.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering preferrably in Material Science.
- 2+ years of experience in an Engineering Manager or equivalent leadership role.
- 5+ years of relevant experience in materials or analytical engineering disciplines.
- Strong organizational skills to manage budgets, personnel, and project schedules.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally for business (up to 5%).
- Knowledge of failure analysis methods of electrical components and materials such as plastics, solder and metals used in electronic assemblies. - Preferred
- Certification in Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) or Six Sigma belt. – Preferred
- Minimum 3 years of experience in intercultural or international product development environments. – Preferred
- 2+ years of line management experience, ideally with experience leading other leaders. – Preferred
- Must be authorized to work in the US.
Schaeffler Motion Tech US
Kenneth R Cummings
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