Director of PARI Microelectronics Laboratory (PML)

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: West Lafayette, INDIANA

Job Summary

As the Director of the Electronics Lab at the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI), you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, vision, and direction to advance the PARI’s initiatives related to national security research and development. In this critical role, you will manage a multidisciplinary team of research professionals, technicians, and administrative staff.  The Director will have Profit&Loss (P&L) responsibilities with annual targets for delivering research income to PARI.  

 

PARI is partnering with NSWC Crane, is a member of the recently awarded Micro Electronics Commons, and working with IMEC, and multiple other industry partners to create a microelectronics hub in Indiana.  Purdue is a leading academic institution in the area of micro electronics as the operator of the Birck Nanotechnology Center which the largest operational university cleanroom.

 

Purdue operates the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS) which is a world leading center for Cyber research.  PARI intends to leverage this research to perform cyber research at higher levels of security with industry partners.

 

As Director, you will collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and academia, to ensure the successful execution of projects and programs that contribute to the nation's security and defense capabilities. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for cutting-edge research and development in the national security domain, we invite you to apply and join our dynamic team of experts.
 

This position will either be onsite in West Lafayette, IN or Odon, IN. 


Responsibilities

1. Meeting P&L Targets: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the National Security and Defense division, aligning with PARI’s overall goals and objectives.  Provide the leadership needed to secure and execute the research programs to grow the PARI Electronics Lab.  Oversee and guide the research and development efforts within the division. Direct the team in conducting cutting-edge research, exploring innovative technologies, and developing solutions relevant to national security challenges.

 

2. Collaborations and Partnerships/Business Development: Provide the leadership needed to cultivate strong relationships with government agencies, defense organizations, and industry partners to foster collaborations and secure funding for research projects. Seek opportunities to form partnerships that enhance PARI’s expertise and capabilities. 


3. Project Oversight: Ensure the successful planning, execution, and completion of national security projects. Monitor project milestones, budgets, and deliverables while managing potential risks and addressing issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.

 

4. Talent Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop a diverse team of researchers and professionals dedicated to national security initiatives. Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages professional growth and knowledge sharing.

 

5. Budget Oversight: Manage the budget for the PARI Microelectronics Lab, allocating resources appropriately to support ongoing and new research projects effectively.

 

6. Communication and Outreach: Represent PARI in national security forums, conferences, and events. Engage in outreach activities to promote the Institute's capabilities and achievements within the national security research community.
 


Qualifications

1. Experience: Experience in a P&L role or similar is required.  Must have experience in program management and in the supervision of staff.  Prior experience in government role with procurement or research lab experience is a plus.  Experience in a research lab or similar organization is highly desirable.  Experience with operations of and maintenance of research facilities.  Specific experience with below is desired:

  • research in areas related to semiconductor fabrication, microelectronics device/circuit/advanced packaging design and characterization.
  • design, and simulate microelectronic devices and circuits to meet performance, power, and integration requirements.
  • fabrication and test vehicles for microelectronic devices, circuits and systems under extreme conditions, including high temperatures, extreme temperature gradients, radiation, harsh environments, etc.
  • mechanical, electronic, and thermal reliability tests, data analysis and modeling plans for microelectronic devices, circuits and systems
  • new materials, technologies, and methodologies to enhance device performance, reliability, and functionality.
  • optimize fabrication processes and ensure successful device integration.
  • current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and research advancements to drive innovation within the team.
  • ITAR regulations and foreign policies related to DoD Microelectronics Commons

 


2. Education: Terminal degree in Engineering with preference for Electrical and Computer Engineering required.  Advanced degree desired.  Business degrees such as MBA also considered a plus.


3. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to a multidisciplinary team. Strong aptitude for decision-making, problem-solving, and effective communication. Ability to develop and manage a budget with competing concerns.

 

4. Industry Network: Established connections within the national security research and development community, including government agencies, defense contractors, and industry leaders.

 

5. Research Excellence: A track record of conducting impactful research and development projects related to national security.  Candidates who have national recognition will be more likely to succeed in this role.

 

6. Security Clearance: US Citizen with active SECRET clearance is required. Ability to be granted TS is required. Maintaining this clearance(s) is a continuous condition of employment. Failure to retain the required clearance(s) may result in termination. US Citizenship is a requirement to be fully considered for this position. Active TS/SCI is desired.  

 

7. Collaboration: A history of successful collaboration and partnership building with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions.

 

8. Project Management: Proficiency in managing complex research projects, including budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management.


Additional Information
  • Purdue’s benefits summary 
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position. Pre-employment checks are required for this position.
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  
  • Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
     

About the Purdue Applied Research Institute

At PARI we create leading-edge solutions for complex problems in national security, global development, and technology. Established in 2021 by The Trustees of Purdue University, the Purdue Applied Research Institute is the non-profit applied research arm of Purdue University. PARI co-creates solutions and builds on the deep research strengths of Purdue’s faculty, students, and staff to solve dynamic challenges for the United States Government, industry, and non-profits. PARI partners to advance applied, interdisciplinary, and translational research in three divisions: National Security and Defense, Global Development and Innovation, and Technology Acceleration, including Digital Innovation in Agri-food Systems Lab (DIAL).
 


About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked one of the top 10 Most Innovative Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, With a $685+ million research enterprise, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery that drive discoveries and innovative solutions that have a critical impact on the nation and the world.



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