Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in Houston, TX

Empower Your Future: At MetOx International, we're pioneering the next era of energy security and abundance through breakthrough superconducting technology. As the Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab, you'll lead the operation at the center of our innovation ecosystem, where new materials, manufacturing processes, and product concepts are transformed into scalable technologies. Your leadership enables the experimentation, validation, and technical execution that accelerate the commercialization of one of the world's most transformative energy technologies.

Based at our global headquarters in Houston, TX, the Manager Research & Development (R&D) Lab leads the daily operation of MetOx's Pilot Line and R&D laboratory, overseeing technicians, laboratory operations, equipment readiness, and engineering execution. Working closely with Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Equipment Engineering, Materials Science, Quality, and R&D, this role drives safe, efficient, and disciplined laboratory operations while enabling rapid experimentation, technology development, process scale-up, and the successful transfer of new manufacturing capabilities into production.

Laboratory Leadership

• Leads the daily operation of MetOx's R&D characterization laboratory supporting process development, product development, failure analysis, and manufacturing support.
• Supervises, coaches, and develops laboratory technicians while fostering a culture of safety, quality, accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Establishes laboratory priorities, allocates resources, and balances competing engineering demands to ensure timely delivery of high-quality analytical results.
• Builds laboratory capability through workforce development, cross-training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Materials Characterization and Failure Analysis

• Leads failure analysis to identify root causes of process, materials, and product performance issues using structured scientific problem-solving methodologies.
• Oversees advanced materials characterization including SEM/EDS, ICP, metallography, optical microscopy, mechanical testing, and related analytical techniques.
• Develops and improves characterization methods for high-temperature superconductors, thin films, and associated materials.
• Correlates microstructure, composition, and defects with processing conditions and electrical performance to accelerate product development and improve manufacturing yield.
• Evaluates analytical data, identifies trends, and communicates technical findings and recommendations to cross-functional engineering teams.

Superconductor Testing

• Leads electrical characterization of HTS conductors, including transport critical current (Ic), in-field performance, and other superconducting measurements.
• Develops robust, accurate, and repeatable test methods supporting R&D and manufacturing.
• Applies analytical chemistry techniques including ICP, DSC, TGA, NMR, Karl Fischer titration, GPC, and HPLC to support materials characterization, process development, and root cause investigations.
• Ensures test methods, laboratory equipment, and measurement systems produce reliable, accurate, and reproducible results.

Engineering Partnership

• Partners with Process, Materials, Equipment, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to support development, sustaining engineering, and technology transfer.
• Provides technical expertise and data-driven recommendations that support engineering decisions, process optimization, and manufacturing scale-up.
• Ensures accurate sample tracking, data integrity, and technical documentation to support engineering and quality requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to improve laboratory capability, throughput, and diagnostic effectiveness through new test methods, instrumentation, and process improvements.
• Communicates complex technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary stakeholders and leadership.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintains laboratory equipment, calibration programs, consumables, and supporting infrastructure.
• Develops laboratory procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensures compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and laboratory best practices.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory efficiency, analytical capability, and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline. An advanced degree may be substituted for required experience on a year-for-year basis, depending on relevance and level.
• Five years of engineering experience including prior experience in laboratory operations, pilot manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, or research and development.
• Two years of experience leading technicians, operators, laboratory personnel, or other technical teams.
• Experience supporting engineering development, manufacturing operations, or technology commercialization.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• PhD in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in superconductors, semiconductors, advanced materials, thin films, coatings, batteries, energy technologies, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), laboratory information systems, or process documentation systems.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Analysis, and structured root cause analysis methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• Demonstrated first-principles understanding of advanced characterization techniques, including the underlying physics, measurement limitations, sources of error, and interpretation of results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate technical teams in a fast-paced research, pilot manufacturing, or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, engineering development, and pilot-scale manufacturing processes.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify operational challenges and implement practical, data-driven solutions.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Strong organizational, planning, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands: This position requires sitting at a desk and viewing a computer screen for extended periods while working or performing other office tasks. Ability to move around the office, including occasional standing, walking, and bending to retrieve documents, attend meetings, or use office equipment. Some light lifting may be required, up to 20 lbs. 

MetOx is proud to offer competitive benefits including:

• Health, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment
• 401(k) match
• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance
• Educational reimbursement
• And more!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.