Job Summary
The Deputy Technical Director for the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE) program is a 12-month (fiscal year) research scientist position responsible for managing the technical execution of a major microelectronics workforce development initiative funded by the Department of War. Working closely with SCALE leadership, the successful candidate will oversee technical project execution, ensuring alignment with sponsor objectives and effective stewardship of funds supporting the national talent pipeline. The role includes building strong partnerships with academic and industry collaborators, guiding technical program development to address workforce skill gaps, and supporting curriculum and assessment efforts to advance SCALE's strategic goals.
In addition to program leadership, the Deputy Technical Director will mentor undergraduate research students, providing technical direction, feedback, and professional guidance in microelectronics-related research areas. The position requires preparation of detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership, external partners, and sponsors, ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. The ideal candidate will bring a graduate degree in science or engineering, strong research and program management experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and preferably a background in semiconductors or microelectronics. This is a full-time, on-site position based in West Lafayette, Indiana, at Want Hall on Purdue University's main campus.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Grant management: Administer and oversee technical aspects of SCALE subcontracts, including technical workforce development, reporting, and compliance. Ensure SCALE funds are used effectively to support our talent pipeline.
- Subcontract Relationships: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key subcontractors. This particularly includes academic SCALE partners listed on the website.
- Technical Program Development: Design and implement workforce development technical programs that align with SCALE strategic goals, determined in consultation with the SCALE directors. This involves identifying skill gaps, creating training initiatives, including curriculum support, and measuring program effectiveness. Provide technical guidance to Curriculum and Assessment teams as needed.
- Student Mentoring: Providing guidance particularly to undergraduate research students on specific research topics related to SCALE, with particular focus on providing background and context, determining areas focus and interfaces with other students, giving substantive technical feedback on research methods and results, and serving as a role model for professional engineering conduct.
- Reporting & Communication: Prepare detailed slide-based reports on program progress, financial status, and stakeholder engagement. Present updates to senior leadership, external partners, and sponsors, ensuring transparency and accountability
- Other duties as assigned: Ensure smooth and on-time execution of any important needs not otherwise covered generated by the SCALE directors, Trusted & Assured Microelectronics, and the Applied Research Institute
What We're Looking For:
- Ph.D. in a science or engineering field related to microelectronics and semiconductors
- Two or more years of work experience (beyond the Ph.D.) in technical roles
- Self-starter with strong interpersonal, communications, management, research, problem-solving, and technology skills
- Ability to work with a complex team and build partnerships with members in the Midwest region and across the United States
What We Want You To Know:
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check is required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Immediately
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.