Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Manager HiFunda LLC Salt Lake City, UT Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Benefits Health savings account Relocation assistance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Teamwork Doctoral degree Process improvement Doctor of Philosophy Chemistry Research & development Full Job Description Join our team as a Technical Program Manager to lead the development of breakthrough technologies across the space, nuclear, and defense sectors."

Technical Project Manager Location:

Salt Lake City, Utah Company:

HiFunda About HiFunda HiFunda is a Utah‑based technology incubator advancing next‑generation materials and electrochemical technologies for aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, and commercial markets. We specialize in developing innovative materials‑based solutions, reducing technical risk, and increasing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) through rigorous product and process R D. When appropriate, we launch new product‑focused businesses to commercialize breakthrough technologies. As several of our programs transition from proof‑of‑concept (TRL 3-4) to pilot‑scale manufacturing (TRL 6), we are seeking a driven and experienced Technical Project Manager to help lead this next phase of growth. Position Overview This is a high‑impact, high‑visibility role with a clear advancement path (Manager → Director → Vice President) for exceptional performers. You will work directly with the VP of R D to guide technical strategy, manage multidisciplinary R D programs, and help transform early‑stage innovations into commercially viable technologies. We're looking for a leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, excels at technical execution, and is passionate about advancing new materials, processes, and products.

Key Responsibilities R D Program Leadership:

Plan and oversee research activities in materials and process development, including electrochemical sensors for high‑temperature molten salt and liquid sodium environments.

Technical Reporting & Communication:

Prepare high‑quality technical reports, lead internal and customer meetings, and integrate feedback to guide future development.

Funding & Proposal Development:

Identify grant opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and leverage professional networks to build strong collaborative teams.

Strategic Alignment:

Work closely with the VP of R D to define priorities and support company‑level strategic and tactical objectives. End‑to‑

End Project Execution:

Lead projects from concept through validation testing and final delivery, ensuring technical excellence and timely execution. Cross‑

Functional Coordination:

Manage multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers; translate complex technical requirements into actionable project plans.

Risk & Resource Management:

Identify technical roadblocks, allocate resources effectively, and ensure high‑impact R D outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Serve as the primary liaison between technical teams, executive leadership, and customers—communicating milestones, risks, and ROI clearly.

Process Optimization:

Implement and refine agile or phase‑gate methodologies to accelerate development and improve program efficiency.

Desired Qualifications Education:

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of experience managing complex, multidisciplinary technical programs.

Project Leadership:

Demonstrated success delivering projects that meet or exceed expectations for technical performance, cost, and schedule.

Quality & Documentation:

Experience developing process documentation and work instructions; familiarity with

ISO9001/AS9100

environments preferred.

Funding Success:

Proven track record of generating and winning grants or other external funding.

Technical Expertise:

Strong fundamental and applied knowledge of electrochemistry, preferably including electrochemical testing in aqueous and high‑temperature molten salt systems (cyclic voltammetry, EIS, corrosion testing). Knowledgeable and experienced using results from analytical characterization and failure analysis techniques such as

SEM/EDS, XRF, ICP

‑MS, TGA/DSC, mechanical testing, potentiometric titrations, X-ray, etc. Hands‑on experience with high‑temperature materials, including ceramics.

Experimental Design:

Ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments that produce clear, decision‑driving results in an industrial R D environment.

Communication:

Superior technical writing, communication and presentation skills.

Citizenship:

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card) required. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience and fit Full benefits package Relocation assistance to Salt Lake City, Utah How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume, references, and a cover letter describing their interest and qualifications to .

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

R D :

10 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person