What are the responsibilities and job description for the Microsystems Technical Program Manager position at Indiana Innovation Institute?
Job description
Position: Microsystems Technical Program Manager - Silicon Crossroads
Position Number: H25-012
Status: Full-Time (Exempt)
Reports to: Senior Vice President of Research Partnerships
Location: Bloomington, Indiana; Odon, Indiana and/or Indianapolis, Indiana.
Job description:
Join the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub, led by the Applied Research Institute (ARI), as a Microsystems Technical Program Manager. This role is central to accelerating America's microelectronics base by leading diverse, high-impact technology projects across the Silicon Crossroads ecosystem.
You will be responsible for providing technical leadership and program management for a broad portfolio of projects covering critical defense and commercial applications. Technical focus areas could include, but are not limited to, microelectronics, photonics, quantum technologies, advanced packaging, AI hardware, advanced and edge computing, electromagnetic spectrum innovations, etc.
Your core responsibilities will include technical advising, project strategy development, end-to-end execution, financial oversight (budgeting), and comprehensive metric tracking and reporting to Silicon Crossroads leadership and partners. Success in this position requires a unique combination of strong technical acumen, demonstrated program management capability, and superior strategic thinking and communication skills.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with leading researchers, top-tier universities, and innovative startups across the nation. Silicon Crossroads fosters a dynamic, mission-driven environment focused on national impact and technological innovation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define Strategic Direction: Apply deep technical expertise to shape the project and ecosystem strategy, integrating knowledge of global microelectronics trends, defense requirements, commercial application needs, and regional, national, and global resource alignments.
- Drive Tech Transition Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive project strategies focused on technology maturation, prototyping, manufacturing readiness, and commercial transition (i.e., "lab-to-fab").
- Lead Project Execution: Direct the planning and implementation of all microsystems projects, guaranteeing tight alignment with overall ecosystem goals and strategic objectives.
- Scope and Plan Development: Advise ecosystem partners on defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables, then develop and maintain detailed, integrated project plans and schedules.
- Resource Coordination: Coordinate cross-functional teams and resources across the ecosystem to ensure effective project team development, successful pursuit of funding opportunities, and flawless execution.
- Program Financial Management: Manage all aspects of awarded ecosystem projects, including forecasting, milestone tracking, budgeting, status meetings, and both technical and financial reporting.
- Stakeholder Relations: Establish and maintain strong working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including ecosystem members, academic partners, and government customers.
- Risk Management & Tracking: Implement detailed project progress tracking, covering all aspects of project management, and proactively identify, assess, and implement mitigation strategies for risks and issues.
- Ecosystem Integration: Actively support the ARI ecosystem team by fully integrating into the Hub framework to promote cross-innovation collaboration and contribute to the overall success of the Commons Hub.
- Communication Hub: Serve as the primary point of contact for all project-related inquiries, ensuring clear, consistent, and timely communication across all partner groups.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all program activities and deliverables adhere to relevant industry standards and government regulations.
Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of combined professional experience in Technical Program Management, Engineering Management, or Technical Project Management within the semiconductor, microelectronics, or related technology development sector.
- Program Leadership: Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex programs with significant cross-organizational dependencies (e.g., academic, industry, and government partners).
- Hardware Lifecycle Experience: Demonstrated experience managing projects through the hardware lifecycle, specifically focusing on prototyping, manufacturing transition, and commercialization (i.e., "lab-to-fab").
- Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D environment.
Professional & Security Requirements
- Citizenship: United States Citizenship is required.
- Security Clearance: Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret-level security clearance or equivalent government agency clearance.
- Travel: Ability to travel nationally to support the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons mission and partner engagement.
- Tools Proficiency: Proficiency with modern professional workflow and program management tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, MS Project, , or similar).
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced Degree: Graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in an engineering or scientific field.
- Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management certification.
- Adopting Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with and a strong desire to adapt AI best practices.
Who we are:
The Applied Research Institute (ARI) is a neutral, third-party nonprofit dedicated to uniting innovators and powering innovation across the technology ecosystem. By collaborating with the Defense Innovation Unit, NSWC Crane, DARPA, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, and the Department of War, ARI advances national security and economic growth through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies that fortify America's economic and defense infrastructure. Learn more at
Benefits:
ARI rewards successful contributors and delivers a high level of job satisfaction. Additional benefits include:
- A highly competitive salary
- 401k (ARI provides 5% non-elective Employee Eligible Compensation, as well as providing an elective Safe Harbor match of up to 4% of Employee Contribution)
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage. IN3 pays 90% of plan costs for individuals and 80% for families
- Employer-provided short-term, long-term disability, and life insurance
- 4 weeks PTO to start, 5 weeks after 2 years consecutive employment; 10 sick days in addition to PTO
- 14 company holidays
- Flexible schedule, including the possibility of a full-remote position for highly qualified candidates
Salary: $125,000 - $175,000
This Job Is:
- A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply
- A good fit for applicants with a passion for technology and innovation
- A good job for someone who thrives in a fast pace, and ever-changing environment
- A job for which people with disabilities are encouraged to apply
To apply: email your resume to and reference job H25-012.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $125, $175,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $125,000 - $175,000