Lead Scientist - Analytical, Thermal Analysis

Job Description Summary

Activities aimed at applying advanced scientific methodologies to determine material composition, thermal behavior, phase stability, and degradation characteristics in support of technology development and product performance objectives. Work in this family typically has the objective of generating and interpreting characterization data that informs materials selection, process development, qualification, and root cause resolution.

Serves as a recognized technical authority within the discipline. Independently defines approaches to complex, ambiguous technical problems and influences the direction of characterization strategy across multiple programs. Provides technical guidance to scientists, engineers, and laboratory personnel, and communicates complex analytical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Act as the enterprise subject matter expert for thermal analysis and chemical analysis techniques and their application across materials development and product programs.
• Design, execute, and interpret thermal characterization experiments using DSC, TGA, SDT, DVA, and related thermal and thermomechanical methods.
• Design, execute, and interpret chemical and compositional analyses using LECO combustion analysis, ICP (ICP-OES/ICP-MS), and related analytical chemistry techniques.
• Apply a rigorous first-principles understanding of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, phase transformations, oxidation and degradation mechanisms, and analytical chemistry to interpret data and draw defensible technical conclusions.
• Characterize a wide range of material systems, including metallic alloys, ceramics, coatings, polymers, composites, and powders.
• Define characterization strategies and experimental plans that answer specific engineering and research questions, rather than executing tests in isolation.
• Develop, validate, and document new analytical methods and measurement protocols to extend laboratory capability and improve data quality and reproducibility.
• Lead complex data interpretation efforts, including deconvolution of overlapping thermal events, uncertainty assessment, and correlation of thermal and chemical data with microstructure and performance.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations through targeted thermal and chemical characterization.
• Own technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, method validation records, and technical reports.
• Provide technical mentorship and training to scientists, engineers, and laboratory technicians on thermal and chemical analysis methods and data interpretation.
• Support instrument selection, qualification, calibration strategy, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of laboratory operations.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a closely related technical discipline from an accredited university or college.
• 3+ years of industrial R&D experience applying thermal and chemical characterization techniques to materials problems.
• 3+ years of experience with chemical analysis techniques including LECO and ICP.
• 3+ years of experience characterizing multiple material classes, including alloys, ceramics, coatings, and polymers.
• 3+ years of experience designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and defending technical conclusions.

Desired Characteristics

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise with thermal analysis techniques including DSC, TGA, SDT, and DVA.
• Strong first-principles understanding of the physics and chemistry underlying each technique, including instrument response, calibration fundamentals, sources of error, and limits of interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to author technical reports and deliver technical presentations to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent technical commitments.Recognized technical authority in thermal and/or analytical chemistry characterization within an industrial R&D setting.
• Experience developing and validating new analytical methods and transitioning them into routine laboratory use.
• Working knowledge of complementary characterization techniques and the ability to integrate multi-technique datasets into a coherent materials assessment.
• Experience supporting materials qualification, process development, and manufacturing troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and other relevant standards governing thermal and chemical analysis.
• Track record of publications, patents, or internal technical reports demonstrating depth of expertise.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists, engineers, or laboratory technicians.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to document, plan, market, and execute technical programs.
• Ability to influence technical decisions across multidisciplinary teams without direct authority.
• Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to data integrity and measurement quality.
  

Additional Information

This is a salaried lead scientist position based in Niskayuna, NY, focused on providing deep technical expertise in thermal and chemical characterization. The successful candidate will function as the go-to expert for these techniques, setting methodology standards, interpreting complex data, and partnering with research and engineering teams across a diverse portfolio of advanced materials and technologies.

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on September 30, 2026.Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.