Research Program Manager - Microelectronics

University of Minnesota • Minneapolis, MN

72d • $118,063 - $162,000

About The Position

The University of Minnesota's National Security Research Institute (NSRI) seeks a Research Program Manager (Microelectronics) to drive business development, program creation, and implementation of a microelectronics focused portfolio. It is expected that the candidate will play some leadership role in developing programs from relevant funding agencies. The role combines sponsor-facing program leadership (contracting, reporting, planning) with technical fluency across electronics, trusted design/verification, hardware security, advanced packaging/heterogeneous integration, RF/opto/power devices, and lab-to-fab transition. The position will also manage NSRI's partnership with the UMN SCALE program, aligning sponsor needs with workforce development, hands-on training, and curriculum modules that strengthen the secure microelectronics talent pipeline.

Requirements

• MS in a technical field (electrical/computer engineering, materials science, physics, or closely related); PhD strongly preferred.
• Eight years relevant experience with 5+ years leading government-facing microelectronics R&D (DoD/NIST/Service Labs/FFRDC/UARC or prime), with experience as PI/co-PI or technical/task lead.
• Demonstrated success in BD/capture and winning proposals, plus hands-on program management (contracting, reporting, IMS, risk, cost/schedule control).
• Deep working knowledge in one or more: trusted hardware/security & assurance, EDA design/verification flows & PDK management, advanced packaging/heterogeneous integration, RF/opto/power devices, radiation effects/reliability, or test/DFT.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• PhD with hands-on design/verification, packaging/test, or radiation/reliability experience.
• Direct experience with CHIPS/NSTC, Microelectronics Commons, DARPA/MTO, and trusted supply-chain frameworks.
• Familiarity with foundry/OSAT engagements, EDA licensing and secure design flows, cleanroom/fab operations, lab-to-fab transition, and data rights/IP management.
• Experience collaborating with university workforce programs (e.g., UMN SCALE or similar), including curriculum co-development and experiential learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop new funding opportunities across agencies such as DARPA/MTO, DoD Service Labs, DMEA, NIST/NSTC, and Microelectronics Commons.
• Shape opportunities (white papers/SOIs/briefings), build competitive teams (UMN + labs + foundry/OSAT + primes), and drive compliant on-time submissions.
• Set win-rate targets; run gate/color reviews; align capture plans to TRL/MRL and transition pathways; coordinate with federal relations and communications for briefings.
• Serve as PI/co-PI on targeted efforts (e.g., hardware assurance, trusted EDA/verification flows & PDK enablement, advanced packaging/HI, RF/photonics/power devices, radiation effects/reliability, or test/DFT).
• Lead technical scoping, milestones, deliverables, and data management; mentor students/staff; publish/present results as appropriate.
• Guide method/flow choices (EDA/DFT/verification, packaging/test plans) and review fidelity/validation.
• Act as day-to-day interface to sponsors, Commons nodes, national labs, foundries/OSATs, and EDA vendors; coordinate PMRs/IPRs, site visits, tech exchanges, and fab/test access.
• Coordinate with UMN SCALE leadership and national consortium partners to connect sponsors with student pipelines, design challenges, short courses, and rapid upskilling modules; align tool enablement and facility access with SCALE offerings.
• Accurately convey government feedback and program status between PMs and UMN teams-no 'message drift.'
• Lead FAR/DFARS and OTA administration: SOW/CDRLs, budgets/BOEs, subawards, mods, invoices, and closeout.
• Maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), risk register, and EV-style cost/schedule tracking; produce compliant reports (quad charts, IPMDAR-like status, ETC/EAC).
• Support SCALE-related MOUs/subawards/reporting and track workforce deliverables/metrics required by sponsors and campus.
• Supervise project staff; coordinate student pipelines (capstones, internships, design challenges).
• Support UMN SCALE activities (module development, guest lectures, industry days, internships/externships, project-based learning) and ensure sponsor problem statements feed directly into SCALE offerings.
• Measure and report SCALE outcomes (participation, placements, skills attainment) and integrate them into portfolio updates for the ED, Governing Board, and Faculty Advisory Board.
• Ensure ITAR/EAR, CUI/CTI protection, secure compute/data workflows, and tool/license compliance; manage IP/data rights (CRADA/NDA/DUA).
• Provide concise quarterly portfolio updates and contribute to institute-level impact metrics.

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree