Deputy Technical Director

Purdue UniversityWest Lafayette, IN

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Overview

Schedule

Full-time

Career level

Executive

Remote

On-site

Benefits

401k Matching/Retirement Savings

Job Description

Req Id: 42687

Job Title: Deputy Technical Director

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Deputy Technical Director for the Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE) program is a 12-month (fiscal year) research scientist position responsible for managing the technical execution of a major microelectronics workforce development initiative funded by the Department of War. Working closely with SCALE leadership, the successful candidate will oversee technical project execution, ensuring alignment with sponsor objectives and effective stewardship of funds supporting the national talent pipeline. The role includes building strong partnerships with academic and industry collaborators, guiding technical program development to address workforce skill gaps, and supporting curriculum and assessment efforts to advance SCALE's strategic goals.

In addition to program leadership, the Deputy Technical Director will mentor undergraduate research students, providing technical direction, feedback, and professional guidance in microelectronics-related research areas. The position requires preparation of detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership, external partners, and sponsors, ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable impact. The ideal candidate will bring a graduate degree in science or engineering, strong research and program management experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and preferably a background in semiconductors or microelectronics. This is a full-time, on-site position based in West Lafayette, Indiana, at Want Hall on Purdue University's main campus.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Grant management: Administer and oversee technical aspects of SCALE subcontracts, including technical workforce development, reporting, and compliance. Ensure SCALE funds are used effectively to support our talent pipeline.
Subcontract Relationships: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key subcontractors. This particularly includes academic SCALE partners listed on the website.
Technical Program Development: Design and implement workforce development technical programs that align with SCALE strategic goals, determined in consultation with the SCALE directors. This involves identifying skill gaps, creating training initiatives, including curriculum support, and measuring program effectiveness. Provide technical guidance to Curriculum and Assessment teams as needed.
Student Mentoring: Providing guidance particularly to undergraduate research students on specific research topics related to SCALE, with particular focus on providing background and context, determining areas focus and interfaces with other students, giving substantive technical feedback on research methods and results, and serving as a role model for professional engineering conduct.
Reporting & Communication: Prepare detailed slide-based reports on program progress, financial status, and stakeholder engagement. Present updates to senior leadership, external partners, and sponsors, ensuring transparency and accountability
Other duties as assigned: Ensure smooth and on-time execution of any important needs not otherwise covered generated by the SCALE directors, Trusted & Assured Microelectronics, and the Applied Research Institute

What We're Looking For:

Ph.D. in a science or engineering field related to microelectronics and semiconductors
Two or more years of work experience (beyond the Ph.D.) in technical roles
Self-starter with strong interpersonal, communications, management, research, problem-solving, and technology skills
Ability to work with a complex team and build partnerships with members in the Midwest region and across the United States

What We Want You To Know:

Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check is required for employment in this position
FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Immediately

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.

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Posting Start Date: 6/18/26

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FAQs About Deputy Technical Director Jobs at Purdue University

What is the work location for this position at Purdue University?

This job at Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, IN, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.

What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Purdue University?

Employer has not shared pay details for this role.

What employment applies to this position at Purdue University?

Purdue University lists this role as a Full-time position.

What experience level is required for this role at Purdue University?

Purdue University is looking for a candidate with "Executive" experience level.

What benefits are offered by Purdue University for this role?

Purdue University offers 401k Matching/Retirement Savings for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.

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