Director of Materials - Chicago, United States - Azul 3D

Description

A BIT ABOUT AZUL 3D

Azul 3Dis an early-stage, high growth company poised to transform multi-million-dollar industries with revolutionary 3D printing technology, materials, and applications. Founded at Northwestern University, Azul 3D is strategically growing its team to meet the demand for its additive manufacturing solutions that will transform markets. Azul's innovative technology provides a differentiated approach to additive manufacturing with the opportunity to infiltrate underserved markets and be a change agent in these industries. Azul 3D has identified new verticals in 3D printing that are uniquely addressed by our tech stack's focus on scalable architecture, material performance, and production enablement. These exciting applications bring technologically innovative opportunities for leadership, vision, and market disruption. We are looking to grow our company and our team with exceptionally talented, team-focused, individuals like you.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking to for a Director of Materials to join our team and lead materials development and commercialization at Azul 3D. The Director of Materials will have a background in polymer chemistry and experience bringing UV curable materials to market. This person will work closely with the Applications Team to lead material optimization, ensuring material performance and contributing to production of game-changing applications that are enabled by the technology of our printers. This is an ideal career opportunity for someone who has expertise in material formulation and commercialization and who is passionate about the world of thermosets, recognizing the intrinsic value associated with enabling thermoset printability --- generating better performance, reducing waste and securing supply chain. The ideal candidate will be committed to creating and converting disruptive UV-curable materials/chemistries into 3D printing resins tailored for a specific product with the end geometry in mind. The Director of Materials will report to the CPO.

Specifically, this person will:

• Lead materials R&D and commercialization for Azul 3D.
• Contribute to decision-making related to materials, including development, formulation, andmanufacturing.
• Validate resins from third-party material partners based on material property requirements.
• Adapt UV-curable resins and layer-by-layer resins into resins that can be modified for continuous 3D printing on Azul's groundbreaking, market disrupting, platform.
• Work with sales team and clients to ensure the development of materials that meet product requirements.
• Collaborate with the Applications Team to optimize materials for printing.
• Work closely with the Software Team to optimize a kinetics model for printability. At the end of the day, this is software-driven chemistry.
• Guide teams in trouble-shooting problems that arise when developing targeted material specifications.
• Manage the front and back end of the materials supply chain.
• Develop and manage prudent business relationships with raw material suppliers as well as third party resin and toll manufactures.
• Contribute to the company culture in a productive way, leading by example.

ABOUT YOU

Now that you know about the job itself, here is a little bit about you.

• Proven record of leading teams in the commercialization of materials and developing material strategies.
• Terminal degree in Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, or Material Science; PhD preferred.
• Experience managing a supplier network and leading a materials supply chain.
• Background in one or more of the following: formulation work, polymer chemistry, UV curable materials, and/or adhesives and coatings.
• Thrive on working with very smart people from different disciplines and know how to motivate them, especially when the going gets tough.
• Are a problem-solver and trouble-shooter. When something does not work, you do what it takes to figure it out. The phrase "I don't know" is always followed by "but I'm going to figure it out."
• Are creative. You think about things through multiple lenses so that you come up with great solutions to complex problems. You do not default to the tried and true unless it makes sense to do so.
• Are a strong collaborator. You can work solo, but you enjoy sharing the lane with others.
• Take initiative. You do not wait for someone to tell you what to do. You see a need and you take it on.
• Are not fazed by a fast-paced environment. We are ambitious with our timelines and milestones, and often take risks to make larger leaps forward in progress.
• Have a deep sense of integrity. You believe in doing things well, not cutting corners, and treating people with respect.

HERE IS HOW WE ANTICIPATE YOUR FIRST SIX MONTHS LOOKING

Within one month, you will:

• Dive deep into the product to fully understand the material library and the printer.
• Learn the chemistry and kinetics associated with the printer and materials.
• Develop an understanding of the key suppliers.
• Gain a deep understanding of target application/product needs.
• Get to know the cross-functional team, including each person's focus area and skill set (spanning the hardware, software, and materials teams).

Within three months, you will:

• Deepened knowledge of supply chain by meeting and developing relationships with key suppliers and toll manufactures.
• Work with the R&D to develop an understanding of the materials pipeline and strategy.
• Lead material optimization.
• Coach and mentor team members, based on their learning needs and areas of development.
• Participate in hiring as we continue to build out our team.

Within six months, you will:

• Own relationships with key suppliers, ensuring material quantities are in place and suppliers are prepared to work with toll manufacturers.
• Lead material formulation and commercialization.
• Collaborate with R&D to strategize future materials and understand development efforts.
• Drive requirements for future hardware and software needs.
• Continue to motivate and guide the team.
• Serve as a key member of leadership.

A BIT MORE ABOUT AZUL 3D

Azul 3D has a beautiful open workspace where teams collaborate cross-functionally and in person. Our chemical, material, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, work together continuously on solving the next technological breakthroughs. We've built an inclusive culture that is geared to embrace diversity, seek different points of view, and encourage creative thinking. We pride ourselves on our values and our commitment to the team.

Azul 3D is poised to transform markets with our revolutionary 3D printing technology. Our products unlock new avenues for technological exploration and enable amazing creativity and discovery. Azul 3D is looking for great people, like you, to help us accelerate our growth and disrupt new markets with 3D printing. We have some of the most forward-thinking and talented people on the planet working for us. If you're innovative and are ready to contribute to our team, we want to hear from you

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401K
• Generous Paid Time Off and Flexible Holidays
• Potential Equity participation

Azul 3DTMisan equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin,disabilityor veteran status.