Manufacturing Program Associate

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Program Associate is highly visible within the startup community and will have the opportunity to support and shape the AlphaLab Gear and Robotics Factory accelerator programs within the Innovation Works’ Hardware group. This role is focused on assisting the region’s technology companies and manufacturers in adopting technology by providing business expertise, direct investment, and hands-on support.  This is a Build Back Better or Build to Scale grant-funded position.

The Manufacturing Program Associate works closely with the Manufacturing Program Manager to help oversee and manage the implementation of IW manufacturing programs. These programs engage regional manufacturers and early-stage hardware companies to bring new products to market and expand their market opportunities. This approach emphasizes product design and development, manufacturability, and the creation of localized supply chains. This leads to the launch of new products, the generation of new revenue, and the creation of new jobs in Southwestern PA.

The Manufacturing Program Associate supports IW’s hardware and robotics portfolio companies in several ways: 1) through grant programs, 2) identifying their manufacturing and supply chain needs, 3) engaging and connecting specific design, manufacturing, and supply chain partners to fill those needs, and 4) expanding IW’s network of regional & domestic design, manufacturing, and supply chain partners.  The Scalable Innovation program enables early-stage companies in Southwestern PA to accelerate their progress and gain a competitive advantage.

The Scalable Innovation program also benefits regional manufacturers, where the Manufacturing Program Associate provides guidance and connections. You also help facilitate funding to explore areas of product expansion and find new customer opportunities and market segments for sales growth.  Supporting activities include building a collaborative network with early-stage companies, identifying resources for business growth, and facilitating grant funding and incentives through several programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Guide entrepreneurs and early-stage technology companies in manufacturing, and provide connections between those companies and experts in the field
• Assist in developing and maintaining a network of hardware startups and manufacturing companies who want to expand their products and markets. As needed, the Manufacturing Program Associate also coordinates meetings with those companies and IW personnel.
• Implementing and coordinating the IW manufacturing curriculum for the AlphaLab Gear and Robotics Factory accelerators. This program is an intensive and comprehensive approach covering topics in early-stage design and manufacturing.  Schedule and meet with startups, manufacturers and manufacturing experts; organize facility tours, design jams and build jams
• Collect and organize feedback from startups and manufacturers who engage with IW Manufacturing Programs.
• Help collect and maintain impact data from IW Manufacturing Programs.  Increase supply chain participation in the areas relevant to early-stage needs for design and development, prototyping, raw materials and components, contract manufacturing, tooling, packaging, and distribution.
• Engage and build relationships between early-stage companies and supply chain partners that will lead toward quotes and proposals, purchase orders and projects, revenue growth and increased employment
• Identify manufacturing candidates for the Innovation Adoption Program and facilitate the funding process, overseeing milestone completion, invoicing/payment, project reporting, and all contract obligations, when required
• Identify manufacturing candidates for the Manufacturer Intern Program and administer the application process with those companies
• Identify projects for the Scalable Grant Program and administer the funding process, overseeing milestone completion, invoicing/payment, project reporting and all contract obligations, when required

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Promote entrepreneurship and technology in the region by representing Innovation Works at various manufacturing, technology-related, and economic development events
• Support projects that enhance Innovation Works’ ability to provide resources and knowledge  to the regional technology and manufacturing communities

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, minimum three years experience, or Associate Degree with six years experience
• Demonstrable hands-on experience in a manufacturing, prototype, and/or fabrication environment with experience in supply chain management, product development and/or innovation, entrepreneurial development, and agile development methodologies
• Prior program- or project-coordination and management experience, preferably with start-up to mid-size product company
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and time-sensitive issues for various stakeholders with attention to detail, deadlines, and overall quality. Ability to execute individually on program operations and work with fellow team members.
• Needs to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-moving environment.
• Ability to drive results (both individually and collaboratively) in an organization with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, and verbal and written communication are a must.
• Comfort communicating with substance in a direct, transparent, and empathetic manner.
• The breadth of technology and commercial market understanding preferred with the ability to quickly learn about new industries, business models, and technologies

Preferred:

• Prior experience working in a hardware startup company or with startup companies is strongly desired.
• Prior experience working in Engineering/Technical Sales is strongly desired.
• Online presence and passion for the entrepreneurial/startup and manufacturing community are important. Demonstrated ability to build community and partnerships is a strong plus
• Proficient in the use of technical tools such as CAD/CAM/CNC, Adobe Suite, 3D slicers, etc.
• The ability to use productivity tools such as Google Apps, Slack, Calendly, Streak, Circleso, and Salesforce is important. Individuals should be comfortable using various social networks to promote AlphaLab Gear, the Robotics Factory, Innovation Works, and its companies and to engage with the startup community.
• To include any other duties assigned.
• Prior experience working in/with non-profit economic development is beneficial.

Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

Innovation Works provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.