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Career Opportunities

We are always looking for motivated, talented people excited by cutting-edge R&D in advanced materials and electrochemistry, and ready to enjoy everything the Salt Lake City, UT area has to offer—world-class skiing and mountain biking, quick access to multiple national parks, a vibrant food and arts scene, and a thriving tech and clean-energy community.

 

If that sounds like you, we would love to hear from you, even if you don't see an open role that matches your background today.​

Current Openings

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah 

Company: HiFunda
 
About HiFunda
HiFunda is a Utah-based technology incubator advancing next-generation materials and electrochemical technologies for aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, and commercial markets. We specialize in developing innovative materials-based solutions, reducing technical risk, and increasing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) through rigorous product and process R&D. When appropriate, we launch new product-focused businesses to commercialize breakthrough technologies.


As several of our programs transition from proof-of-concept (TRL 3–4) to pilot-scale manufacturing (TRL 6), we are seeking a driven and experienced Technical Project Manager to help lead this next phase of growth.
 
Position Overview
This is a high-impact, high-visibility role with a clear advancement path (Manager → Director → Vice President) for exceptional performers. You will work directly with the VP of R&D to guide technical strategy, manage multidisciplinary R&D programs, and help transform early-stage innovations into commercially viable technologies.


We’re looking for a leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at technical execution, and is passionate about advancing new materials, processes, and products.
 
Key Responsibilities
 

  • R&D Program Leadership: Plan and oversee research activities in materials and process development, including electrochemical sensors for high-temperature molten salt and liquid sodium environments.

  • Technical Reporting & Communication: Prepare high-quality technical reports, lead internal and customer meetings, and integrate feedback to guide future development.

  • Funding & Proposal Development: Identify grant opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and leverage professional networks to build strong collaborative teams.

  • Strategic Alignment: Work closely with the VP of R&D to define priorities and support company-level strategic and tactical objectives.

  • End-to-End Project Execution: Lead projects from concept through validation testing and final delivery, ensuring technical excellence and timely execution.

  • Cross-Functional Coordination: Manage multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers; translate complex technical requirements into actionable project plans.

  • Risk & Resource Management: Identify technical roadblocks, allocate resources effectively, and ensure high-impact R&D outcomes.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison between technical teams, executive leadership, and customers—communicating milestones, risks, and ROI clearly.

  • Process Optimization: Implement and refine agile or phase-gate methodologies to accelerate development and improve program efficiency.

 
Desired Qualifications
 

  • Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.

  • Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience managing complex, multidisciplinary technical programs.

  • Project Leadership: Demonstrated success delivering projects that meet or exceed expectations for technical performance, cost, and schedule.

  • Quality & Documentation: Experience developing process documentation and work instructions; familiarity with ISO9001/AS9100 environments preferred.

  • Funding Success: Proven track record of generating and winning grants or other external funding.

  • Technical Expertise:

    • Strong fundamental and applied knowledge of electrochemistry, preferably including electrochemical testing in aqueous and high-temperature molten salt systems (cyclic voltammetry, EIS, corrosion testing).

    • Knowledgeable and experienced using results from analytical characterization and failure analysis techniques such as SEM/EDS, XRF, ICP-MS, TGA/DSC, mechanical testing, potentiometric titrations, X-ray, etc.

    • Hands-on experience with high-temperature materials, including ceramics.

  • Experimental Design: Ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments that produce clear, decision-driving results in an industrial R&D environment.

  • Communication: Superior technical writing, communication and presentation skills.

  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card) required.

 
Compensation & Benefits
 

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience and fit.

  • Full benefits package.

  • Relocation assistance to Salt Lake City, Utah.

 
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, references, and a cover letter describing their interest and qualifications to:

employment@hifundallc.com.

HiFunda, a Utah-based technology incubator, is looking for a motivated Mechanical Engineer to help
develop advanced materials technologies for energy, defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.


In this role, you will support product and process development from concept through prototype and

production, helping transform ideas into working systems. We are looking for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering, works well in a small, focused team environment and adapts to the dynamic nature of the projects.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Support product and process design from concept to production.

  • Design, build, assemble, and test prototype and production hardware.

  • Develop manufacturing and test processes and documentation.

  • Work with vendors to source and procure components.

  • Perform engineering analyses, testing, and data interpretation.

  • Create engineering drawings, including GD&T and tolerance stack-up analyses.

  • Support technology transfer from R&D to production.

  • Contribute to testing, validation, and continuous improvement efforts.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

  • 3+ years of experience in product and/or process development.

  • Experience bringing a product from concept to a working system.

  • Hands-on experience with machining, assembly, inspection, and testing.

  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software, including thermal and flow simulation.

  • Strong communication skills and proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

  • Experience with tooling, fixtures, and 3D-printed components.

  • Experience with process documentation, statistical design of experiments, data analysis, and technical reporting.

  • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a small company.

  • U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required.

 

We offer a competitive salary, based on experience and fit, and a full benefits package.


Relocation support to Salt Lake City, UT will be provided to qualified candidates.


To apply, please send your resume, references, and cover letter outlining your fit for this position to
employment@hifundallc.com.

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