Program Director-Composite Research & Engineering

Job Title: Program Director – Composite Research and Engineering (CORE)

Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is looking for a highly motivated, reliable, and technically competent individual to join our team as a Program Director for its strategic initiative to implement Composite Research and Engineering into its portfolio at its East Lansing, MI location. In this role you will play an integral part within our diverse team of experts facilitating international business coordination between U.S. industry and academia, Fraunhofer USA and Fraunhofer international affiliates. You will be part of a unique process combining industry customer discovery with technology matchmaking of the world’s largest applied research and development portfolio.

In your role as Program Director - CORE will provide strategic leadership and industry engagement through the development and implementation of a forward-looking composite materials research strategy, aligning with market needs and technological advancements as well as Fraunhofer’s capabilities and resources available for technology transfer. You will be able to draw expertise from our vast international Fraunhofer resources and technology portfolio as well as collaborate with our university partner Michigan State University.

You will develop technology roadmaps based on existing Fraunhofer know-how and align research activities with industry demands and actively engage in funding programs and public-private research initiatives to drive innovation and technology adoption. You will collaborate with Fraunhofer USA research staff and international affiliates and oversee composite research and translation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while managing scope, budget, and risks. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance and ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals. Furthermore, you will support university cooperation and talent development activities at Fraunhofer USA by establishing and coordinating joint research projects with academic institutions, shape and tailor training programs for composite research, targeting both industry professionals and academic curricula.

Overview:

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Applied research is the foundation of our organization. Fraunhofer USA bridges the gap between basic research and industry aiming to accelerate technology development resulting in faster market penetration. We partner with our clients from academia, government, and industry to transform original ideas into innovations that benefit society and strengthen the economy.

The Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The Center focuses on next-generation materials for a variety of markets, including, aerospace, automotive, energy, environment, and health. The Center’s technology portfolio includes additive manufacturing, coatings, plasma sources, diamond materials, electrochemical sensors, laser applications, and water treatment.  

This is a salaried position offering benefits that include health and dental insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, and a pension plan. The business core working hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with an average working week of 40 hours. Project-dependent work hours may be shifted outside of the core working hours as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and industry engagement through the development and implementation of a forward-looking composite materials research strategy
• Actively engage in funding programs and public-private research initiatives to drive innovation and technology adoption
• Facilitate international business coordination between U.S. industry and academia, Fraunhofer USA and Fraunhofer international affiliates
• Develop technology roadmaps in collaboration with existing Fraunhofer know-how and align research activities with industry demands
• Oversee composite research and translation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while managing scope, budget, and risks
• Support university cooperation and talent development activities at Fraunhofer USA
• Establish and coordinate joint research projects with academic institutions
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance and ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program (ISO9001) requirements
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• PhD. or equivalent required in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or a related engineering or science field with a strong background in plasma science
• Prior expertise in multi-party project negotiation and management
• Prior expertise in global supply chain
• Prior expertise with international industry standards
• Excellent technical writing, oral communication and presentation skills
• Ability to independently identify, develop and implement scientific solutions to practical problems
• Able to set priorities and adapt to changing needs as well as the proven ability to function well in as fast-paced environment
• A proven record of establishing and maintaining a safe laboratory and workplace environment
• Able to work in an interdisciplinary, diverse, and international team

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Prior working experience performing and managing engineering projects
• Prior working experience with university curriculum development
• Established international track record

Join our dynamic research group and be at the forefront of composite research. Take the next step in your career by sending your application today!

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.