Fornax Advanced Materials, Inc. (Fornax-AM) is a small business startup that enables missions of high consequence by delivering lightweight, high-density products composed of advanced carbon, metallics, and ceramic materials. We contribute to American dynamism in research and development, using cutting-edge science to develop solutions for extreme environments and alternatives to minerals controlled by adversaries. We also combat decades of offshoring critical national manufacturing capability, responsibly producing products in the homeland with physical and material characteristics previously thought impossible to achieve. Potential applications range from hypersonic flight surfaces – to light weight-high density armor plating – to nuclear reactor cladding – to shelters on the moon using lunar strata – to everything in between. If you can imagine it, it’s likely we can make it with demonstrated improvement in weight, density, purity, and durability. At Fornax-AM, we believe that together with our customers, we are forging the future.
Position Summary:
The Director of Program Management for Fornax-AM will be responsible for leading and overseeing the planning, execution, and successful delivery of programs and projects. Reporting to the company’s Chief Operations Officer, the Director of Program Management must be a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills to ensure programs are aligned with the company’s goals and objectives. The ultimate goal for Program Management is to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of quality products that exceed the expectations of our customers.
Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Develop and implement full lifecycle program management strategies that align with the company's strategic objectives
- Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of multiple programs and projects
- Ensure all programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
2. Leadership and Team Management:
- Lead, mentor, and manage a cross functional team
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the team
- Provide guidance and hands on support to ensure team members have the necessary resources and skills to succeed
- Ensure effective project management, resource allocation, and timely delivery of program and project milestones
3. Stakeholder Management:
- Act as the primary point of contact for program-related communication with internal and external stakeholders
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure program objectives are met
- Communicate program status, risks, and issues regularly to senior leadership and stakeholders
4. Risk Management and Problem Solving:
- Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and issues
- Develop contingency plans to address potential risks and challenges
- Resolve conflicts and issues that arise during program execution
5. Performance Measurement and Reporting:
- Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success
- Prepare and present regular program status reports to senior leadership
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation of program activities and outcomes
6. Process Improvement:
- Continuously evaluate and improve program management processes and methodologies
- Implement best practices and innovation to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the program management function
7. Growth:
- Drive growth in revenues and profitability on contracts of recProord, mature forecasting to achieve organic growth
- Help identify, qualify, and capture business opportunities adjacent or relating to contracts of record
- Collaborating with Business Development and Engineering, screen bid boards for addressable business opportunities
Requirements:
1. Education and Experience:
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or a related field (Physics or Materials Science preferred)
- Certification in Program Management (i.e., PMP certification or equivalent)
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD personnel security clearance up to the Top-Secret level and successful completion of a counterintelligence polygraph examination, when required
2. Technical Experience:
- Strong understanding of program management methodologies and tools
- Proficiency in project management software and tools
- Familiarity with the use and effects of electric Field Assisted Sintering Technology and additive manufacturing technologies
- Proven track record of successfully managing multiple programs and projects
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
- Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and successfully manage projects
- Experience in building and leading cross functional program teams, fostering a culture of innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration
4. Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to align program strategies with commercial objectives
- Demonstrated proficiency in developing and executing technology roadmaps
- Demonstrated proficiency in shaping solutions to solve customer needs, helping to identify alternative sources of funding, and collaborating with others to prepare white papers and proposals.
5. Communication and Leadership:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences
- Workplace style that promotes teamwork, creativity, and accountability
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
6. Startup Mindset:
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, with a hands-on, adaptable, and proactive approach
Preferences:
· Active Top Secret DoD personnel security clearance
· Experience in a startup or high-technology environment
Compensation:
· Competitive salary
· Equity Incentive Plan
· Participation in company benefit plans, including 100% of employee medical/dental/vision premiums, and 401(k) with 5% match
Location:
· Washington DC metro area
· 20% travel anticipated
· Hybrid work environment; work typically is performed in an office setting, with some flexibility for occasional? remote work
Contact: Email curriculum vitae to: info@Fornax-am.com
Employment type
Full-time
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