Technology Manager, External Research

The MELD team is a group of talented, dedicated professionals who are passionate about our technology. We’re always looking to add team members who are excited about what we do and can help us continue to grow. If you think you might be a good fit for us but don’t see a relevant careers posting, please send your résumé, salary history, and a cover letter to hr@meldmanufacturing.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Job summary

MELD Manufacturing is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Technology Manager to lead external research and development partnerships and externally funded research programs conducted at MELD. You will play a crucial role in expanding the capabilities and applications of MELD’s patented Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) technology by collaborating with academic institutions, government agencies (e.g., U.S. Army, Navy), and strategic industry partners.

This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise in additive manufacturing and exceptional business acumen. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of research projects, ensuring they align with MELD’s long-term strategic goals to disrupt manufacturing and serve the aerospace, defense, and other industries.

Key responsibilities

• Set strategic direction: Work with leadership to define strategic goals for research efforts. Evaluate and select programs for pursuit. Determine which efforts will be internal versus external. Define the goals of the external research program, including the areas of technology the organization will fund and areas for which external funding will be pursued. This involves aligning external research efforts with the company’s long-term business and product strategy.
• Manage the external research portfolio: Oversee a global portfolio of funded research projects, tracking progress and outcomes to ensure they align with the original goals. Coordinate research efforts to maximize efficiency and reduce duplication of effort. Manage research budgets and participate in committees and boards.
• Capture external funding: Develop competitive proposals for externally funded research and manage the proposal process.
• Enable technology program execution: Support the transfer of new programs to internal teams to ensure success. Provide project management support for the project as serve as the primary point of contract for your customers.
• Build and manage relationships: Establish, maintain, and grow collaborative relationships with external partners, including universities, national labs, government organizations, vendors, customers, and MELD affiliated businesses (MELD PrintWorks and Aeroprobe). Negotiate related contracts and intellectual property agreements. Present and promote MELD’s research and capabilities in the community.
• Drive technology transfer: Participate in development of standards with organizations such as AWS, ASTM, and others. Facilitate the transfer of new know-how, technologies, products, functions, software tools, training methods, and accessories from research settings to the company. This can involve licensing agreements, patents, creating spin-off companies, or integrating the technology into new products.
• Report on progress and impact: Communicate the results of externally funded or conducted research efforts to internal stakeholders and company leadership as well as external stakeholders. Develop and deliver technical presentations.
• Stay current with industry trends: Monitor advancements in relevant technologies to inform the organization’s research strategy and identify new opportunities for collaboration. Stay ahead of advancements in additive manufacturing, materials science, and relevant industries. Evaluate emerging technologies and partner capabilities to inform and guide MELD’s research investment strategy.

The Technology Manager, External Research reports to the CEO and is an on-site position. The position requires domestic and international travel.

Required skills and qualifications

• Knowledge of contract negotiation, budgeting, and intellectual property management.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, or a related technical field. A master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred.
• 10 years of progressive experience in managing R&D projects or technology partnerships, preferably within additive manufacturing, materials science, or a related high-tech field.
• Demonstrated experience in working with external partners, including academia, government, and industry.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage complex technical projects on time and on budget.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical topics to diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic and business acumen, with the ability to link external research efforts to overall business objectives.
• Expertise in a relevant technical area, such as additive manufacturing, friction stir welding, metallurgy, or mechanical systems.