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.