Director of Additive Technology

The Applied Science & Technology Research Organization of America (ASTRO America) is a 501c3 think tank and research institute focused on U.S. manufacturing policy and adoption of technology breakthroughs. Only five years old, we have grown into some of the nation’s leading voices in 3D printing, manufacturing-related economic development, and innovation.

The Opportunity

Currently seeking qualified candidates for a Director of Additive Technology position. This role focuses on effectively executing government-sponsored research in partnership with other research institutions on additive manufacturing and hypersonic systems. Work may be performed remotely, but may require extensive travel to/from various destinations, including Maryland, Texas, and Ohio.
What You'll Do
Work closely with other research institutions, Defense/aerospace suppliers, additive manufacturing equipment producers, Department of Defense program managers, and other key government, industry, and academic partners, to oversee technical program plan and ensure achievement of established milestones and deliverables.

TheDirector of Additive Technology is a self-starting technical leader with expertise in mechanical engineering, metallurgy, communication, resource management and engagement, business acumen, industry framework, and Defense-related engineering.
Project Technical Lead - 85%
· Serve effectively as principal investigator on research and development task orders on behalf of ASTRO America, managing and leading all engineering activities during the proposal, implementation, and conclusion stages of government-sponsored projects as assigned.

· Work with contract management teams and accounting teams to ensure projects remain on-schedule and on-budget, are appropriately documented, and follow OTA terms and conditions.

· Provide project oversight, including managing engineering scope according to technical contracts, change orders, and direction of government customer and ASTRO management.

· Direct and coordinate activities of several disciplines and Project Management group on a project of significant scope or a combination of large projects.

· Maintain high levels of quality and responsiveness to meet requirements in alignment with government, prime contractor and ASTRO America’s expectations.

· Oversee project activities of team members, ensuring appropriate task completion by assigned ASTRO America personnel as well as external subawardees, vendors, or partners.

· Review project plans, calculations & specifications, assume responsible charge as needed.
Business Development Responsibilities – 15%
· Participate and partner with other research institutions and industry members, as well as ASTRO America colleagues to advance common competitiveness and national security missions.

· Write proposals for government projects, developing and reviewing drafts, working individually and in concert with company leadership and others.

· Maintain and build positive relationships with government and industry partners.

· Participate with cross functional team on strategic initiatives for the organization.

· Make presentations on behalf of ASTRO America to relevant conferences, summits, and forums, ensuring positive communication of organization’s goals and achievements as appropriate.

What We Expect from You

· Bachelor's degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields

· 8+ years of experience in mechanical, materials engineering, or related fields

· Background in Additive Manufacturing, Welding, Defense, or Aerospace is required; experience working with the U.S. government is preferred.

· Strong track record as principal investigator on government-sponsored research is preferred.

· Must be analytical, self-motivated, and possess the ability to work in high-pressure situations while maintaining a positive, enthusiastic, and collaborative attitude

· Focused and passionate around internal engagement and maximizing development of others

· Strong business acumen and industry knowledge

· Knowledge of Additive manufacturing, metallography, in situ monitoring, and other related technology is preferred.

· Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, public and external agencies

· High level of initiative and demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with clear expectations and highly responsive, internally and externally

· Excellent presentation and verbal/written communications skills

· Display a high level of initiative and explores new opportunities while understanding the risk to the organization

· Proven experience in CAD (e.g. SolidWorks, Creeo) and Microsoft Software Applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Project), and other software depending on specialty.

· Ability to meet requirements of a U.S. government contractor
Job Type: Full-time