Research Director, Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC)

Description

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory stewarded by the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM), seeks a dynamic and visionary Research Director to lead the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC). The AMC is a state-of-the-art innovation center designed to accelerate the development, demonstration, and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies that directly support environmental stewardship, national security, and energy resilience missions. The Research Director will lead the AMC's scientific vision, develop strategic research programs, and build partnerships across academia, industry, and the DOE complex, including other DOE national labs.

This is a unique leadership opportunity to build a transformational R&D enterprise that leverages SRNL’s expertise in environmental remediation, materials processing, engineered systems, and advanced manufacturing.

About the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative

The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) is a cutting-edge, 60,000-square-foot innovation hub located in Aiken, South Carolina. Established to drive the growth of advanced manufacturing research across the Southeastern U.S. and the Department of Energy (DOE) complex, the AMC is operated by the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The AMC supports a broad range of high-impact research areas, including additive manufacturing, biomanufacturing, materials design and processing, automation, fusion fuel cycle technologies, artificial intelligence, and operational technology cybersecurity. Designed as a national resource, the AMC plays a vital role in advancing next-generation manufacturing technologies that enhance supply chain resilience, energy efficiency, and industrial innovation across the U.S.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Define and execute the strategic research agenda for the AMC, aligning with SRNL’s mission and national DOE/EM and NNSA priorities.

Champion innovation in advanced manufacturing technologies, such as materials design and processing, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and automation.

Program Development & Scientific Direction

Lead the development of interdisciplinary R&D programs that serve DOE program offices (e.g., EM, NNSA, NE, and AMMTO), DOD, and other federal agencies.

Oversee the integration of cutting-edge science and engineering with applied manufacturing challenges.

Ensure scientific excellence, technical rigor, and successful execution of research objectives.

Collaboration & Partnership Development

Build and maintain strategic relationships with universities, industry partners, startups, and other national laboratories.

Foster academic collaboration and workforce development through internships, fellowships, and joint research.

Represent AMC and SRNL in national and regional forums related to manufacturing innovation, clean energy, and national security.

Operations & Facility Stewardship

Support the safe and effective use of AMC infrastructure, including laboratories, testbeds, and demonstration platforms.

Collaborate with facility and operations leadership to ensure compliance, safety culture, and operational excellence.

Talent Management & Culture

Advise line managers to recruit, develop, and mentor a diverse team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific integrity.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.

At least 10 years of R&D experience in advanced manufacturing or a closely related technical field, with a minimum of 5 years in technical leadership or program management roles.

Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary research programs, managing scientific staff, and building research portfolios.

Experience engaging with federal sponsors, including DOE, NNSA, DOD, or industry partners in regulated environments.

Willingness to travel for stakeholder engagement, site reviews, and partnership development.

For ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required

Preferred Qualifications:

Broad knowledge of advanced manufacturing challenges in support of national security, nuclear material handling, clean energy, or environmental remediation.

Proven record of winning competitive R&D funding and managing multi-stakeholder collaborations.

Experience transitioning research from lab-scale to industrial or field-scale demonstration.

Familiarity with DOE national lab systems, project management principles, and regulatory compliance.

Demonstrated ability to build external partnerships with academia, consortia, and industry.

Recognized expertise (e.g., publications, patents, awards) in one or more areas of advanced manufacturing.

Commitment to mentoring early-career professionals and creating inclusive research environments.