Research Program Manager – Microelectronics for National Security

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 for national security applications. 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.
Reports to: Executive Director, NSRI. Works closely with: interdisciplinary faculty team, RIO Sponsored Projects Administration, RIO Research Integrity and Compliance (including Export Controls), RIO Finance, colleges/centers/institutes, UMN SCALE leadership, the AVP for External Affairs & Communications, and the AVP for Research Capacity Building.

Position Duties and Responsibilities
Business Development & Project Creation (30%)

• 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.

Principal Investigator / Co-PI Leadership (25%)

• 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.

Government Interface & Partnerships (15%)

• 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.”

Contracting, Reporting & Program Operations (15%)

• 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.

Team Leadership, Mentoring & Workforce (10%)

• 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.

Governance, Compliance & Ethics (5%)

• 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.

Additional Information
PI Status: Eligibility to serve as PI/co-PI follows UMN PI policy and sponsor rules; NSRI will support appropriate adjunct/affiliate appointments as needed.
Effort Mix: PI/co-PI research typically 20-30% effort (portfolio-dependent); BD/capture and delivery make up the balance.
Security: U.S. citizenship and clearance eligibility required.
Location/Travel: Twin Cities campus; periodic travel to sponsors, labs, foundries/OSATs, and partners.
Title Flexibility: Candidates with deeper credentials may be considered for Senior Research Program Manager – Microelectronics.
Flexible Work Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the National Security Research Institute (NSRI) endorse a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position was designated to be fully in the office/lab (Profile 1) or partially remote (Profile 2, with work expected to be performed in the office/lab a minimum of 3 days per week).

At least initially, the incumbent will be expected to spend more time in the office/lab to ease onboarding, create connections with team members, and initiate collaborations. Work schedule will be finalized with the supervisor and will be dependent on the research program needs. Regardless of the typical work arrangement set, this role comes with the requirement to attend numerous on-campus work events and on-site meetings for collaboration and team effectiveness. Unless collaborating at a research program site, the incumbent will work from the NSRI office in Suite 450 in the McNamara Alumni Center located at 200 SE Oak Street on the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus.

RIO management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Other Required Credentials

• Due to the nature of some of the essential functions of this position, successful candidates must:
  be a US Citizen;
• possess an active US Government security clearance or have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional presenter and technical writer; persuasive white papers and crisp sponsor briefings.
• Highly organized PM toolkit: Microsoft Project (or Primavera), Jira/Confluence; familiarity with MBSE/DOORS a plus.
• Practical grasp of export control, secure data handling, and tool/license governance; comfortable with EV-style tracking and management reviews.
• Collaborative, low-ego leader who can supervise technical staff and convene interdisciplinary teams across colleges and external partners.

The National Security Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Minnesota serves as a national hub to drive interdisciplinary partnerships on national security-related funding opportunities. NSRI advances leading-edge research and workforce training programs that deliver significant value for the sponsor. NSRI promotes and sustains strategic partnerships with government agencies, DoD and national labs, defense-oriented entities, academia, and industry.

Pay Range: $118,063.00-$162,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience; eligible for incentive pay program

Time Appointment: 100%

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Relocation expenses may be available
• 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online Application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Due to the nature of some of the essential functions of this position, successful candidates must:

• be a US Citizen;
• possess an active US Government security clearance or have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).