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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 

 
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.

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

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About HiFunda

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

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Position Overview

This is an associate-level position intended for an early-career candidate who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, works well in a small, focused team environment, and is interested in gaining broad experience in applied research and development.

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Responsibilities:

  • Prepare materials, solutions, formulations, and samples for experimental work.

  • Set up and execute laboratory experiments and test procedures.

  • Operate laboratory instruments and test equipment.

  • Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data.

  • Maintain laboratory notebooks, test records, and technical documentation.

  • Support materials synthesis, processing, characterization, and testing.

  • Assist with development and improvement of laboratory procedures and processes.

  • Work closely with scientists and engineers across multiple R&D projects.

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Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.

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

  • Strong academic background in chemistry, chemical engineering, and laboratory coursework.

  • Demonstrated analytical chemistry expertise (Grade A in lab and class) is strongly preferred.

  • Familiarity with analytical and materials characterization techniques such as SEM/EDS, XRF, XRD, BET, TGA/DSC, and electrochemical testing (e.g. CV, EIS).

  • Hands-on laboratory or research experience preferred.

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to execute experimental procedures carefully and consistently.

  • Experience developing process flow and piping and instrumentation diagrams.

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

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

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

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Compensation

  • Competitive salary based on experience and fit

  • Full benefits package

  • Relocation assistance to Salt Lake City, UT may be provided to qualified candidates

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How to Apply:

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

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