Director, Technology Portfolio Manager

Company Description
The ARM Institute leverages a robust consortium of 500+ consortium members and partners across industry, academia, and government to strengthen and grow US manufacturing. The ARM Institute does this by catalyzing solutions that drive the adoption of robotics and physical AI. With a forward-looking focus on innovative, yet practical, technology and workforce development solutions and leveraging the nation’s largest consortium of automation experts, the ARM Institute asserts the United States as leading nation in manufacturing output through the adoption of robotics and AI. As a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) and part of the Manufacturing USA® network, the ARM Institute team plays a critical, national role in driving the innovations needed to grow US manufacturing.

Position Overview
The ARM Institute is seeking a Director, Technology Portfolio Manager to lead strategic initiatives that accelerate the transition of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced manufacturing technologies into operational manufacturing environments. Reporting to the Senior Director of Technology Programs, this role manages a portfolio of technology transition initiatives that support the adoption of innovative technologies across the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem.

The Director, Technology Portfolio Manager partners with government sponsors, consortium members, manufacturers, technology developers, research organizations, and internal teams to develop transition strategies, manage complex technical programs, and advance technologies from development through commercialization and deployment. This position combines technical program management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to support ARM's mission of strengthening U.S. manufacturing through robotics and AI.

This hybrid position is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and requires collaboration with consortium members, government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions, as well as periodic travel to customer sites, meetings, and industry events.

Responsibilities

Program & Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of technology transition programs supporting robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing initiatives and serve as the primary Programs Manager on the most complex technology programs.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Monitor project performance, risks, budgets, deliverables, and customer expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage development and verification-validation-qualification programs to ensure that projects are executed, and deliverables are delivered along their scope, quality, time, and cost as defined in their contracts. Identify and implement processes to optimize results.
• Lead Technology Programs Managers to ensure that projects are delivered along their scope, quality, time, and cost as defined in their respective project plans and sub-awards. Work with peer Directors to manage resources and shift program responsibilities between teams as needed.
• Establish and monitor processes to facilitate clear communication, seamless collaboration, and optimized resource utilization to meet project objectives within specified timeframes and budget constraints. Additionally, develop processes that adapt to changing priorities, allocate resources dynamically, and mitigate risks to ensure successful programs delivery.
• Coordinate the collective reporting of the Program Managers (PM) and ensure that members, sponsors, and leadership have the right information about project investments. Prepare program reports, executive briefings, and performance metrics for internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Support proposal development, project planning, and new program initiation activities.
• Lead Technology Programs Managers

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a primary interface between ARM and government sponsors, consortium members, manufacturers, technology developers, and industry partners.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with federal agencies, defense organizations, commercial manufacturers, and academic institutions.
• Lead customer meetings, technical discussions, program reviews, workshops, and executive briefings. Travel to stakeholder sites as needed.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing programs and transition technologies into operational environments.
• Work with the Chief Technology Officer to develop strategic roadmaps for long-term initiatives aimed at fostering multi-use applications across commercial and government sectors. Conduct comprehensive research and analysis to identify emerging technologies, market trends, and regulatory landscapes relevant to both commercial and government domains. Work with leadership and consortium members to gather insights and input, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Represent ARM at industry conferences, technical meetings, and consortium events.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with Business Development, Workforce Development, Technology Programs, Finance, Communications, and Executive Leadership to support Institute objectives.
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives and technology transition opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement of program management processes and best practices.
• Mentor project teams and contribute to a collaborative, mission-focused culture.

Technology Transition & Strategy

• Lead technology transition initiatives that move advanced manufacturing technologies from demonstration through commercialization and operational deployment.
• Develop transition strategies and implementation roadmaps that support successful technology adoption by industry and government partners.
• Evaluate technology maturity, manufacturing readiness, implementation risks, and transition opportunities.
• Identify barriers to technology adoption and develop strategies to accelerate deployment.
• Support strategic planning activities, technology roadmaps, and institute initiatives aligned with ARM's mission.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Robotics, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience managing complex technical programs, engineering projects, advanced manufacturing initiatives, or technology transition activities.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams, managing personnel, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with government agencies, defense organizations, manufacturing companies, research organizations, or technology developers.
• Strong understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, or industrial automation.
• Experience developing project schedules, budgets, risk management plans, and executive-level reports.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and relationship management skills.
• Knowledgeable and understands the processes and equipment used by manufacturing businesses; ERP, logistics, fabrication, warehousing, and delivery.
• Knowledgeable and understands the processes needed for the development of robots, and autonomous vehicles for example; Vision systems, path planning, AI.
• Meticulous, organized, self-motivated, practical, and flexible. Able to effectively handle multiple and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Builds trust, honors commitments, and treats all with respect. Uses those skills to reach consensus, produce high quality work, and accomplish tasks by the deadlines.
• Possess an aptitude for technology and proficiency using IT systems and tools (e.g., Microsoft Office suite of products, with strong skills in embedded and ROS software development and implementation and Path planning and or Vision system experience desired.
• Ability to travel as required, estimated at 25%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience with Department of Defense (DoD), Manufacturing USA Institutes, or federally funded research and development programs.
• Familiarity with Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs), and technology commercialization frameworks.
• Experience with robotics, artificial intelligence, digital engineering, industrial automation, or additive manufacturing.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience leading strategic partnerships among government, industry, and academia.
• Experience preparing proposals and managing federally funded projects.

Why ARM?
At ARM Institute, you’ll help accelerate the adoption of robotics and AI technologies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing. You’ll collaborate with leading manufacturers, technology companies, startups, researchers, and government partners on projects with national impact while helping shape the future of advanced manufacturing.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional success.

Benefits

• Enjoy 4 weeks of paid vacation from your first year, 11 paid holidays, 5 floating holidays annually
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Life Insurance on day one
• Enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with health savings plan options beginning the first day of the month following your hire date.
• Receive a $100 monthly communication allowance and a one-time $500 home office stipend to support your remote work environment.
• Receive employer retirement contributions equal to 8% of your salary beginning after your first month of employment. Employer contributions become fully vested after three years.
• Receive up to 2 weeks of paid parental and family leave, in addition to paid bonding leave for new parents, after 6 months of employment.
• ARM proudly supports those who serve by providing up to 30 days of paid military leave each year.

Join us in advancing the future of U.S. manufacturing.
We believe diversity is essential to our organization’s growth and success. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming culture and seek individuals of all backgrounds to join our innovative organization.

ARM Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We believe diversity is essential to our organization’s growth and success and strive to create an inclusive, accepting culture and seek individuals of all backgrounds to join our innovative organization. ARM is an equal opportunity employer.