Senior Manager, Plasma Science - Champaign - Lyten

Description

About Lyten
Lyten is leading an industrial revolution through Lyten 3D GrapheneTM, a breakthrough supermaterial unlocking a new generation of products - from lithium-sulfur batteries and energy storage systems to concrete admixtures, lightweight composites, and next-generation sensors that are revolutionizing industries. Together, these innovations are making a massive global improvement and driving real-world impact across energy, mobility, construction, and defense.
At Lyten, we believe the most meaningful careers begin with purpose - and with people who want to make a difference. We're not just developing advanced supermaterials - we're about to change the world as we know it, reshaping how energy is stored, how products are built, and how progress is made.
We're entering an exciting growth phase, scaling production across the U.S. and Europe and expanding our team of engineers, scientists, and innovators.
Apply now to join our team and be part of something bigger than yourself - where collaboration, creativity, and purpose come together to build the technologies that will define the next century.
Lyten joined the Illinois Plasma Institute (IPI) at Research Park in 2021. Learn more about the IPI/Lyten partnership on the Grainger College of Engineering website .
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Manager of Plasma Science to co-lead one of our flagship Innovation Centers. We are looking for a Scientist Manager with hands-on experience working with reactor design, development, and testing. Added bonus if the person has technical experience with microwave plasma science.
You will craft the technical vision, in alignment with the Leader of Reactors and Material development's direction and strategic goals, guide and manage a talented scientific team, and drive the development of 3D Graphene material and process from concept through commercialization.
Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver strategic and technical leadership to the Innovation Center, ensuring alignment with the CIO's vision, focused on innovation in advanced material development.
• Manage, lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Manage team performance of the Innovation Center by setting clear goals, encouraging ambitious targets, and overseeing communication and documentation of results.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, engineering, and commercial teams to translate innovations into scalable solutions.
• Work with "Fellows" within the organization to set goals for the Innovation Center, which coordinate with the roadmap for products within the company.
• Establish and manage key external partnerships with universities, research institutes, and industry collaborators.
• Continuously collaborating with the Reactors and Materials Development team in San Jose to improve, implement, and cross-pollinate technology within the company.
• Oversee project portfolios, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and high-quality delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement within the Innovation Center.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in science and engineering and 7+ years of industry experience working in a R&D / innovation environment of Chemical/pharmaceutical/ advanced materials company OR Ph.D. in Science and Engineering and 5+ years,
• At least 2-5 years in a technical leadership role (manager, senior manager, or equivalent).
• Proven success in leading R&D teams, setting strategy, and delivering innovation from lab to commercial stage.
• Excellent leadership, people development, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication abilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving innovation environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10-12 years of industry experience working in a R&D / innovation environment of Chemical/pharmaceutical/ advanced materials company.
• 8-10 years in a technical leadership role (manager, senior manager, or equivalent).

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 70 pounds

Compensation Range:
The expected base salary range for this position is between
$153, $230,500.00
The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including location, relevant prior experience and/or education, and particular skills and expertise.