Technology Strategist

NextFlex•San Jose, CA

15h•Remote

About The Position

The Technology Strategist supports the development and execution of NextFlex strategic technology programs focused on advancing Hybrid Electronics and related advanced manufacturing technologies. The role works with industry, government, and academic stakeholders to identify technology and manufacturing needs, assess emerging capabilities, develop technology development and transition roadmaps, and translate gaps into actionable programs and projects. The strategist supports technical projects, engages subject matter experts and end users, convenes stakeholder groups, and helps transition emerging technologies toward manufacturing maturity and adoption. The position may lead multidisciplinary project teams and technical working groups but has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Work is primarily performed remotely using standard office equipment. The role includes approximately 15% domestic travel to support stakeholder meetings, site visits, workshops, conferences, and other activities. Visits may include manufacturing facilities, laboratories, government facilities, universities, and other technical sites, where appropriate personal protective equipment and facility-specific safety requirements may apply.

Requirements

Master's degree in engineering, materials science, physics, or a related technical discipline.
At least three years of relevant professional experience with a Master's degree, or a Ph.D. with a relevant research focus.
Experience in advanced technology development, applied R&D, advanced manufacturing, technology transition, or a related technical activity.
Strong technical foundation and ability to understand and assess multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing challenges.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with technical experts and stakeholders across industry, government, and academia.
Experience managing technical projects, programs, or collaborative R&D activities.
Ability to synthesize technical information and stakeholder input into clear findings, priorities, recommendations, and actionable plans.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing technical reports and delivering presentations to technical and leadership audiences.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations under U.S. Government export regulations, including ITAR.
The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in hybrid electronics research or manufacturing.
Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly high-temperature materials, extreme-environment electronics, sensors, electronic materials, and/or advanced electronics manufacturing.
Experience developing technology roadmaps, conducting technology or manufacturing gap assessments, or developing technology transition strategies.
Experience assessing Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs), or similar technology maturity frameworks.
Experience transitioning emerging technologies from R&D toward production-relevant environments or commercial or defense applications.
Experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense, other federal agencies, Manufacturing USA institutes, or federally sponsored R&D programs.
Demonstrated track record of contributing to successful technical proposals.
Familiarity with manufacturing scale-up, qualification, reliability, standards, and other considerations affecting technology transition and adoption.
Experience delivering technical presentations at scientific conferences and sponsor or stakeholder briefings.

Responsibilities

Lead and support development of technology roadmaps, gap analyses, state-of-the-art assessments, and technology transition strategies.
Assess emerging technologies and manufacturing approaches to identify technical gaps, adoption barriers, manufacturing maturity, and investment opportunities.
Engage industry, government, academic, and Manufacturing USA stakeholders through meetings, interviews, site visits, workshops, and other collaborative activities.
Translate stakeholder requirements and technical findings into prioritized technology objectives, development activities, milestones, metrics, and potential programs or projects.
Develop and support strategic technical programs connecting emerging technologies with defense and commercial manufacturing needs and transition opportunities.
Manage technical projects and programs involving multiple organizations and disciplines, coordinating with government sponsors, project performers, and other stakeholders.
Review technical proposals, project plans, reports, and other technical documentation and provide technically informed recommendations.
Identify technical, manufacturing, programmatic, and transition risks and work with stakeholders to develop mitigation approaches.
Develop partnerships among technology developers, manufacturers, end users, government organizations, universities, and other relevant organizations.
Develop, write, and deliver technical reports, roadmaps, presentations, briefings, proposals, and other materials for technical and executive audiences.
Represent NextFlex at technical meetings, workshops, conferences, and other external engagements.
Support planning events that contribute to technical objectives.
Maintain awareness of developments in Hybrid Electronics, advanced manufacturing, materials, electronics, and related technology areas.