Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Tennessee

Position Summary

The Product Development & Application Engineer - Investment Casting is a key technical leader for Christy Minerals' investment casting business across the Midway and High Hill facilities. This role combines sales engineering support, R&D/product development and field-based customer support to develop new products and technology, support plant needs and drive profitable growth. This individual will serve as a primary technical liaison between the plants (including lab and production), the sales team and our customers, helping to define product requirements, troubleshoot performance, and lead or support field trials.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Sales Support & Customer Interface

• Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting to customers and the internal sales team for investment casting products and applications.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer processes, requirements and pain points, and translate these into technical solutions, product modifications and new product opportunities.
• Support the sales team in preparing proposals, responding to technical questions and visiting customers as needed, including travel for field trials and key account support.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, reports and training materials for customers, agents and internal stakeholders.

R&D, Product Development & Lab Integration

• Lead and/or support product development projects, working closely with operations, the lab and sales to bring new or improved products and technologies to market (this role serves as the primary R&D resource for Midway).
• Conduct lab work, including testing, analysis and documentation, to support product development, qualification, failure analysis and continuous improvement.
• Act as the technical bridge between the lab and the plant, translating lab data into practical production and product decisions.
• Partner with lab leadership on priorities, test plans and interpretation of results to support both customer needs and plant performance.

Plant & Field Trial Support

• Assist with planning, executing and documenting product trials at customer sites, including set-up, data collection, analysis and recommendations.
• Provide technical input to the plant on product specifications, process parameters and problem-solving related to investment casting products.
• Maintain accurate records of trials, customer interactions and technical issues in CRM or other designated systems.

Market & Technology Insight

• Monitor industry trends, competitive products and new technologies in investment casting and related markets and recommend potential responses or opportunities.
• Contribute ideas for new products, product enhancements and application opportunities that align with Christy Minerals' strategic priorities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Ceramic Engineering strongly preferred; Materials Science, Metallurgy or closely related engineering disciplines will be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in one or more of the following (preferred):
  • Investment casting foundry operations.
  • Investment casting product development or research.
  • Technical sales or technical service in investment casting or a closely related materials/industrial environment.

• Candidates with less experience (including recent graduates) may be considered based on their demonstrated capabilities, relevant internships/co-ops and technical aptitude; however, priority will be given to candidates with practical industry experience who can contribute quickly.

Technical Skills

• Solid understanding of ceramic materials, refractories, or related materials used in investment casting.
• Experience with lab testing, data analysis, and technical documentation.
• Ability to diagnose process and product issues and recommend practical solutions.

• Proficiency with standard office software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with lab and testing software is a plus.

Key Competencies & Soft Skills

• Selfstarter who can independently plan and execute work aligned with Christy Minerals' business objectives and sales priorities.
• Demonstrates professional behaviors and decision-making consistent with The Christy Way.
• Strong problem-solving skills and practical, hands-on approach-comfortable moving from concept to lab to plant floor and into customer trials.
• Effective communicator, able to explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences (written, one-on-one, and in small group/customer settings).
• Able to build and maintain productive working relationships with customers, sales, lab, production and leadership; collaborative and easy to work with.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and timely decision-making in customer facing and plant floor situations.

• Shows interest in learning and growing beyond this role over time, supporting future opportunities in sales, lab management, production or broader technical leadership.

Work Environment & Other Requirements

• The role is based at the Midway facility with regular onsite lab and plant work and travel to customer locations as needed.
• Expected to model Christy Minerals' values and behaviors as outlined in The Christy Way.
• Domestic and international travel will be required to support field trials and sales activities; the candidate must currently hold or be able to obtain a U.S. passport and be willing to travel to target countries.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to travel to customer sites as needed.
• Over time, this role may expand to include broader technical or leadership responsibilities, potentially including formal oversight of lab or other technical resources, depending on business needs and individual performance.

Christy is an Equal Opportunity Employer We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Drug Screen & Background Check Disclaimer

All offers of employment with any Christy company are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and, when applicable, a drug screen. Background checks are conducted on all final candidates and may also be conducted for employees being promoted or transferred, as deemed necessary.

Background checks may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Social Security verification: Confirms the applicant's Social Security number, date of birth, and prior addresses.

• Criminal history: Reviews up to seven years of criminal convictions and probation records, where permitted by law. When evaluating criminal history, Christy will consider:

  • The nature and seriousness of the offense and its relevance to the position.

  • The time elapsed since the offense or completion of sentence.

  • The number of offenses.

  • Whether hiring, transferring, or promoting the individual would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers, or vendors.

• Drug screen: Christy is a drug- and alcohol-free workplace and maintains a testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Following a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

Additional background-related evaluations may be required based on the position:

• Essential Functions Test: Assesses functional and physical capabilities to determine whether the candidate can perform essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates may also receive guidance on safe body mechanics, lifting techniques, and posture for daily tasks.

• Personal and professional references: Reference checks may be conducted, typically via virtual or email outreach to individuals listed by the applicant.

All background check and related evaluation information will be maintained in a file separate from employees' personnel files.

Christy reserves the right to modify this policy at any time, with or without notice.