Technology Commercialization, Sr. Director

Newlab is seeking a Senior Director of Technology Commercialization based in New Orleans. This role is central to Newlab’s mission in Louisiana: leveraging our public-private partnership to de-risk and accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies in industrial power, carbon management & utilization, and shipping and maritime logistics with industry, government, and investors.

 

The ideal candidate brings deep industry experience paired with a track record of driving adoption of externally developed, startup-led innovation. You understand the complexities of influencing leadership, navigating change management, and overcoming the inertia of the status quo. You are comfortable structuring creative projects between corporates, government partners and startups that unlock value for all stakeholders. You can quickly assess startup technologies, identify the critical commercialization and scale-up risks specific to both the technology and the target market, and design targeted pilots, demonstrations, and collaborations to address those risks.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in guiding advisory scopes of work from concept through execution, and have experience structuring, negotiating and managing successful programs. 

This position is for in-person work in New Orleans, LA.

Role & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Define and continuously refine the commercialization strategy for Newlab New Orleans, ensuring alignment with sector trends, platform priorities, and Louisiana’s strategic economic and industrial goals
• Translate location-specific theses (and focus areas) into actionable commercialization programs and projects that leverage Newlab’s platform and public-private partnership model
• Build and maintain deep relationships with strategic stakeholders across value chains aligned with location sectors of focus 
• Cultivate and manage key relationships with industry and government partners to maximize participation, engagement, and outcomes 

Technical Program Management & Delivery:

• Initiate, structure, and negotiate creative, high-impact commercialization projects between Newlab, startups, corporates, and government partners
• Assess startup technologies for technical readiness, scalability, commercial fit, and sector-specific risks
• Recommend targeted interventions, such as pilots, demonstrations, and joint development projects, that directly address identified risks and accelerate adoption
• Oversee a portfolio of commercialization projects, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and to defined success metrics

 

Business Development:

• Build awareness for Newlab’s programs and results through thought leadership, strategic communications, and targeted industry engagement
• Secure and expand partnerships that generate revenue and advance Newlab’s mission in Louisiana
• Leverage a strong industry network to source strategic partners and develop programmatic engagements

Team leadership:

• Build and lead an mutli-disciplinary  team of commercial strategists, engineers and investment professionals to deliver impactful commercialization outcomes 
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture within the team and across the company
• Continuously identify opportunities to optimize processes and scale operations effectively
• Leverage your network and domain expertise to support the integrated team in sourcing and assessing startups and delivering technical commercialization projects  

Skills & Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in the energy, materials, or related industrial sectors with experience in innovation, and technology development & commercialization
• Strong capability in structuring creative, multi-party projects that combine technical execution, business development, and program management
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across executive, technical, policy, and regulatory audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, or a related technical discipline
• Experience in strategy, consulting, corporate venture, or innovation advisory within the energy or materials sectors
• Strong global network across industrial power, carbon management, maritime, or related industries
• Familiarity with policy, permitting, and regulatory dynamics impacting technology deployment in target sectors

Working Conditions:

• Based in New Orleans with regular travel across Louisiana and to partner sites globally
• Flexibility for additional travel to Newlab’s other hubs and industry events as required

Compensation: 

• $165,000-185,000
• Comprehensive benefits 
• Eligible for Bonus program