Director of Materials Science

ABOUT US

Located across the globe and with more than 45 years of experience, WSI is the industry leader in automated repairs for pressure equipment. WSI’s industry experience, global presence, and best-in-class execution is the key to delivering improved plant reliability safely and effectively.

WSI is an Avail Infrastructure Company with the mission to advance innovation for global infrastructure through specialized industrial technologies. At Avail Infrastructure Solutions, our people empower and define who we are. Our shared values are the foundation for building strong, trusting relationships with our employees, stakeholders, and customers. We're small enough for your ideas to make an immediate impact and large enough to offer you opportunities to grow professionally at any stage of your career.
 
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Material Sciences provides the strategic & technical oversight related to material selection/metallurgy, evaluation of corrosion/erosion mechanisms, and welding areas at WSI, while also leading WSI’s Thermal Spray project portfolio – from inception to close. This role is responsible for the technical review of all related work scope opportunities and support the internal & external stakeholders of WSI’s Field-Applied High Velocity Thermal Spray initiative. This role performs research and development activities of proprietary materials and welding processes in support of WSI’s business initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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. 

• Experience:  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.
• Beneficial skills and experience:
  • Computer Aided Design experience
  • Structural Design experience

• Education: Bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in mechanical, materials, welding or surface technologies engineering or a related technical field. A PhD degree is highly desirable.

• General office and shop work environment. Travel to provide onsite project support, project meetings, walk-downs, training, business development, and professional activities.