Technical Principal

MXD•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing. About MxD MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more. MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees. MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation. Position Overview The Technical Principal (TP) is responsible for the implementation of targeted projects that are essential to the overall MxD mission. This person will report to the CTO of MxD and be accountable for the accomplishments of the various projects through completion. In addition, the TP would work in collaboration with the Technical Fellow (TF) and MxD Vice Presidents (VPs) to ensure that projects can be executed within the various departments’ available resources. There are major project areas such as Factory floor, Directed Projects, and Knowledge Expertise that the TP will focus on in the near term. The focus may change over time, but it will be subject to review by the SLT and agreement with the TP.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Computer Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred) or equivalent work experience
10+ years of experience in engineering, advanced manufacturing, or related technical roles (preferred)
Experience leading complex, cross-functional technical projects from concept through execution
Experience working with external partners (industry, government, or research organizations) preferred
Technical Expertise
Strong knowledge in advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, or related systems
Ability to assess technical capabilities, identify gaps, and develop actionable solutions
Experience with system integration, testbeds, or applied technical environments preferred
Leadership & Execution
Proven ability to develop and execute technical strategies and roadmaps
Strong project management skills with the ability to drive multiple initiatives forward
Comfortable working in evolving environments with shifting priorities
Collaboration & Communication
Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, program, and leadership teams
Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences
Comfortable representing the organization externally (e.g., conferences, member engagements)
People & Impact
Experience mentoring or supporting the development of technical team members
Results-oriented with strong ownership and accountability
Other
Ability to travel up to 20%
Ability to work onsite as needed
Ability to work in a highly dynamic environment

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred
10+ years of experience in engineering, advanced manufacturing, or related technical roles (preferred)
Experience working with external partners (industry, government, or research organizations) preferred
Experience with system integration, testbeds, or applied technical environments preferred

Responsibilities

Develop a long-term vision and execution plan for the factory floor which includes an assessment of existing offerings (MxD and members) and a gap analysis to identify areas for future investment by MxD, existing members, and/or potential new members. The plan should include near- and long-term recommendations for dynamic content to ensure ongoing engagement from existing members and to help attract new members (in partnership with other MxD teams).
Develop and support the execution plan for how members and non-members can leverage the factory floor to test and/or demonstrate, using MxD testbeds, solutions that are in alignment with MxD’s mission (in partnership with other MxD teams).
Partner with the CTO and Technical Fellow to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for onboarding tier 1- and 2-member solution providers, and provide guidance on vision and development of their demo space
Advise Director of Engineering (DE), and others, on government directed project scope alignment and commitment
Support the DE to ensure successful execution of active projects including AMC Advisory projects and Castings and Forgings as well as other individual projects that arise.
Partner with the DE to ensure capability or other manufacturing related assessments can be executed by either the DE, TF or when required, help develop necessary content to have another individual perform those functions.
Execute or support the development of MxD products that are critical to strategic initiatives with a fully reproducible solution. (Partner with P+E)
Support MxD externally as a knowledge expert for speaking opportunities, conferences, member meetings, ideation/scoping sessions, etc.
Support MxD internally as a knowledge expert for project process execution, opportunity assessments, technology evaluations, etc. (Partner with P+E team)
As appropriate mentor engineers and/or assist on relevant job training sessions.