At Solvus Global, We Are… Innovators, Builders, Entrepreneurs, Makers, Creators, Dreamers, DOERS Solvus Global builds solutions to market-wide gaps in the materials and manufacturing sector. We build metal parts that weigh a literal ton; we produce metal powders that protect submarines; we build software that connects whole factories; we build AI tools that make scrap recycling more profitable; and we build robots that repair critical infrastructure. Our team spins out these enterprise technology solutions into independent startups ready to build a team, raise capital, and launch our solutions at scale. The Opportunity with Solvus Global Is… Dynamic, Engaging, Cross-Disciplinary, Cutting-Edge, Flexible, EMPOWERING Following the establishment of our Rolla, MO office, we are seeking a Regional Innovation & Partnerships Lead to serve as the strategic anchor for our local operations. In this role, you will deepen our partnerships with Missouri S&T and key industry co-tenants like Boeing and Caterpillar. As the primary site leader, you will be responsible for identifying high-value opportunities, securing technical contracts, and managing the early-stage R&D ecosystem. You will own the site's P&L and strategic roadmap, ensuring the Rolla office serves as a high-growth engine for the broader Solvus Global portfolio.

Key Responsibilities Partnership Architecture:

Form and solidify deep-rooted partnerships with academic leads and industrial partners

Strategic Opportunity Capture:

Identify and secure new technical programs, government grants like SBIR/STTR, and commercial contracts within Missouri and the broader manufacturing ecosystem

R&D Leadership:

Manage early-stage R&D projects, navigating the ambiguity of new technology areas to move solutions toward commercial viability

Talent Mentorship:

Coach junior members and MS&T student talent, instilling a "First Principles" mindset and the Solvus "Self-starter & Doer" culture

Culture Carrier:

Embody the "Everyone is in the field" culture—no task is too small, and no obstacle is too big

Contractual Excellence:

Work alongside the contracting team to ensure technical milestones in joint development agreements (JDAs) or government programs are met to trigger timely revenue recognition Required Attributes & Skills Must be a US Person according to

FAR22 CFR 120.15 -US

Person 5+ Years of Experience in Technical Engineering Field; able to lead deep-tech diligence and conversations 3+ Years of Experience in Business Development with a track record of closing joint development or project-based agreements (commercial or government) Exceptional ability to build trust and "speak the language" of diverse stakeholders Familiarity with the mechanics of government-funded R&D and contracting Critical understanding of new technology areas and enterprise needs Exceptional ability to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial enterprise needs Proven ability to navigate ambiguity and lead in an agile, "hands-on" environment. A mindset focused on fundamental problem-solving to drive technical and business breakthroughs. Advantageous Attributes & Skills Ph.D. or Master's in Engineering (Chemical, Materials, or Mechanical) Experience securing government grants (DOD, DOE, NSF, ARPA-E). Experience/Expertise in various Additive Manufacturing technologies (WAAM, CSAM, FSAM specifically) Background in aerospace-oriented business development and growth 3+ Years of Experience for P&L Responsibility, including budget management

Location:

Rolla, MO - relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Pay:

$110,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person