What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Technology position at Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM)?
The ARM Institute seeks a VP of Technology, responsible for setting and executing the technical strategy of the ARM Institute and driving business development for technical opportunities related to the ARM Institute’s mission.
This role blends strategic technology leadership with business acumen – driving innovation while also cultivating partnerships and revenue streams with both commercial industry and government agencies.
The VP of Technology oversees all technical programs, products, and services that are delivered by ARM Institute personnel and the ARM Institute consortium.
This position is located at ARM Institute headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Qualifications and Experience
Required
Core Competencies Required for this Position:
The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute is a national, public-private partnership that accelerates the use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in U.S. manufacturing to strengthen national competitiveness and security. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the ARM Institute is one of the Manufacturing USA Institutes and is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD).
Through a national consortium of over 450 member organizations – including manufacturers, technology developers, universities, community colleges, and government partners – the ARM Institute drives collaborative innovation to:
Our mission is to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base while enhancing national security by connecting people, ideas, and technology to advance robotics and AI.
This role blends strategic technology leadership with business acumen – driving innovation while also cultivating partnerships and revenue streams with both commercial industry and government agencies.
The VP of Technology oversees all technical programs, products, and services that are delivered by ARM Institute personnel and the ARM Institute consortium.
This position is located at ARM Institute headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the ARM Institute’s technology strategy in alignment with the ARM Institute’s strategic plan, ensuring measurable progress towards our Technology Impact Goal: increased adoption of robotics and AI by U.S. manufacturers.
- Serve as the principal advisor to the CEO, leadership team, and Board on emerging technologies, market opportunities, and innovation priorities.
- Lead the ARM Institute’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and convene industry, academic, and government stakeholders to maintain a national Technology Investment Roadmap.
- Oversee the selection, execution, and transition of ARM Institute-funded projects to ensure meaningful impact and commercialization outcomes.
- Act as the primary technical business development leader for the organization, driving growth with both commercial and government clients.
- Identify, cultivate, and secure new grant opportunities with agencies such as the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program (MANTECH), US Air Force, Navy, Army, and other defense organizations, Department of Commerce, and additional government agencies to expand ARM Institute’s footprint into new areas.
- Lead efforts to increase commercial partnerships as identified in the strategic plan.
- Collaborate with the CEO and Chief Workforce Officer to pursue integrated solutions that connect technology innovation with workforce development.
- Engage directly with Congress, DoD, and other federal bodies to advocate for continued and expanded support of ARM Institute initiatives.
- Oversee all ARM Institute technical programs, ensuring they meet performance metrics for:
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement
- Prototype transition into production environments
- Technology commercialization and transition rates
- Growth in government and commercial funding streams
- Lead the development of ARM Institute’s AI strategy to serve consortium members and U.S. manufactures.
- Help to craft a strategy to provide accelerated adoption of advanced robotics and AI research to U.S. manufacturers.
- Build and mentor a high-performing technical team capable of executing complex, multidisciplinary R&D programs.
- Foster a culture of innovation, integrity, and collaboration consistent with ARM Institute’s core values.
- Serve as the public face of ARM Institute’s technology leadership, representing the Institute in the media, at conferences, and with member organizations.
- Partner with our academic consortium members to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies.
Required
- 10 years of experience in robotics/AI and advanced manufacturing or automation, with at least 3 years in senior leadership roles.
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
- Proven success in technology business development with both commercial industry and government clients.
- Successful track record of commercializing technology and developing revenue-generating services or products
- Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale R&D and technology transition programs.
- Deep understanding of robotics integration, AI/ML applications, digital manufacturing systems, and related technologies.
- Experience managing or supporting federal contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements.
- Strong leadership, budget management, and communication skills.
- Strong public presentation skills.
- Ability to travel on a regular basis for business meetings and conferences.
- Experience leading innovation within Manufacturing USA Institutes, defense research organizations, or comparable public-private partnerships.
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and government contracting compliance.
- Experience managing or supporting commercial contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements.
- Strategic Vision: Defines and drives a technological roadmap that aligns with national manufacturing and defense priorities.
- Business Development Expertise: Builds sustainable growth through strong partnerships with both government and commercial stakeholders.
- Innovation Leadership: Translates emerging research into deployable solutions with measurable industry impact.
- Collaborative Partnership: Engages effectively with diverse partners across academia, industry, and government.
- Mission Orientation: Deep commitment to advancing U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and national security.
The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute is a national, public-private partnership that accelerates the use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in U.S. manufacturing to strengthen national competitiveness and security. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the ARM Institute is one of the Manufacturing USA Institutes and is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD).
Through a national consortium of over 450 member organizations – including manufacturers, technology developers, universities, community colleges, and government partners – the ARM Institute drives collaborative innovation to:
- Advance and transition cutting-edge robotics and AI technologies into production environments
- De-risk technology adoption for U.S. manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs)
- Develop and prepare the next-generation manufacturing workforce
Our mission is to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base while enhancing national security by connecting people, ideas, and technology to advance robotics and AI.
We believe diversity is essential to our organization’s growth and success and strive to create an inclusive, accepting culture and seek individuals of all backgrounds to join our innovative organization. ARM is an equal opportunity employer.