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Technical Principal

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing. 

 About MxD 

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more. 

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected.  Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees.  MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation.  

Position Overview

The Technical Principal (TP) is responsible for the implementation of targeted projects that are essential to the overall MxD mission. This person will report to the CTO of MxD and be accountable for the accomplishments of the various projects through completion. In addition, the TP would work in collaboration with the Technical Fellow (TF) and MxD Vice Presidents (VPs) to ensure that projects can be executed within the various departments' available resources. There are major project areas such as Factory floor, Directed Projects, and Knowledge Expertise that the TP will focus on in the near term. The focus may change over time, but it will be subject to review by the SLT and agreement with the TP.

Position Responsibilities:

Factory Floor:

• Develop a long-term vision and execution plan for the factory floor which includes an assessment of existing offerings (MxD and members) and a gap analysis to identify areas for future investment by MxD, existing members, and/or potential new members. The plan should include near- and long-term recommendations for dynamic content to ensure ongoing engagement from existing members and to help attract new members (in partnership with other MxD teams).
• Develop and support the execution plan for how members and non-members can leverage the factory floor to test and/or demonstrate, using MxD testbeds, solutions that are in alignment with MxD's mission (in partnership with other MxD teams).
• Partner with the CTO and Technical Fellow to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for onboarding tier 1- and 2-member solution providers, and provide guidance on vision and development of their demo space

Directed Projects:

• Advise Director of Engineering (DE), and others, on government directed project scope alignment and commitment
• Support the DE to ensure successful execution of active projects including AMC Advisory projects and Castings and Forgings as well as other individual projects that arise.
• Partner with the DE to ensure capability or other manufacturing related assessments can be executed by either the DE, TF or when required, help develop necessary content to have another individual perform those functions.
• Execute or support the development of MxD products that are critical to strategic initiatives with a fully reproducible solution. (Partner with P+E)

Knowledge Expertise:

• Support MxD externally as a knowledge expert for speaking opportunities, conferences, member meetings, ideation/scoping sessions, etc.
• Support MxD internally as a knowledge expert for project process execution, opportunity assessments, technology evaluations, etc. (Partner with P+E team)
• As appropriate mentor engineers and/or assist on relevant job training sessions.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Computer Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred) or equivalent work experience
• 10+ years of experience in engineering, advanced manufacturing, or related technical roles (preferred)
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional technical projects from concept through execution
• Experience working with external partners (industry, government, or research organizations) preferred

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge in advanced manufacturing, industrial technologies, or related systems
• Ability to assess technical capabilities, identify gaps, and develop actionable solutions
• Experience with system integration, testbeds, or applied technical environments preferred

Leadership & Execution

• Proven ability to develop and execute technical strategies and roadmaps
• Strong project management skills with the ability to drive multiple initiatives forward
• Comfortable working in evolving environments with shifting priorities

Collaboration & Communication

• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, program, and leadership teams
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Comfortable representing the organization externally (e.g., conferences, member engagements)

People & Impact

• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of technical team members
• Results-oriented with strong ownership and accountability

Other

• Ability to travel up to 20%
• Ability to work onsite as needed
• Ability to work in a highly dynamic environment

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting. 

Work with Us 

MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don't mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.

Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.

MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.

Flexible Work Policy 

MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.

Accommodations Statement 

We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us. 

Accommodations Include: 

Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at PC@mxdusa.org. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process. 

Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience. 

Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.