Location: Mentor, OH
Position Summary:
The Technology Transition Program Manager leads transition initiatives that accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies into qualified, deployable capabilities across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). This role manages a portfolio of high-impact transition programs focused on higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs), working closely with government sponsors, Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs), Program Managers (PMs), OEMs, suppliers, and industry partners.
Operating at the intersection of engineering, program management, and business development, the Technology Transition Program Manager develops transition strategies, manages a portfolio of high-impact programs, builds relationships with government and industry stakeholders, and identifies opportunities to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies.
The role directly supports America Makes' growing focus on Technology Transition as a core institute function.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Program Management:
• Lead the transition of advanced manufacturing technologies from development into qualification, industrialization, production, and sustainment.
• Develop transition roadmaps and implementation strategies for mature technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
• Evaluate technology readiness, manufacturing readiness, and risks
• Identify barriers to adoption and develop strategies that accelerate transition
• Support technical reviews, workshops, roadmap development, and cross-functional planning activities.
Program and Portfolio Management:
• Manage a portfolio of higher maturity technology transition programs
• Develop project execution strategies, schedules, budgets, milestones
• Track transition outcomes, milestones, and performance metrics
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure programs are delivered on schedule, within budget, and aligned with customer objectives.
• Monitor technical progress, program risks, and customer deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Serve as a trusted interface between America Makes and key stakeholders.
• Build relationships with PAEs, PMs, tech warrant holders, DoD organizations, OEMs, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
• Lead technical discussions, executive briefings, and customer reviews.
• Identify opportunities for transition into operational programs.
Desired Characteristics:
• Strategic thinker capable of connecting technical innovation to operations.
• Exceptional relationship builder with the ability to impact diverse stakeholders.
• Strong program leadership and organizational skills.
• Comfortable engaging from the shop floor to executive leadership.
• Self-starter capable of managing multiple high-visibility programs simultaneously.
• Passion for strengthening domestic manufacturing and the U.S. DIB
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field
• 5-10 years of experience leading technical programs in engineering, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or technology transition.
• Experience managing complex technical programs involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with government customers, defense contractors, or manufacturing organizations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production environments.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with additive manufacturing technologies
• Experience with DoD acquisition, sustainment, or manufacturing programs
• Familiarity with Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL)
