Chief Technology Officer, RAPID Manufacturing Institute

AIChE, founded in 1908, is a professional society of more than 60,000 chemical engineers in 110 countries. Its members work in corporations, universities, and government, using their knowledge of chemical processes to develop safe and useful products for the benefit of society. AIChE fosters and disseminates chemical engineering knowledge, assists the professional and personal growth of its members, and applies the expertise of its members to address societal needs and improve the quality of life. Through its varied programs, AIChE continues to be a focal point for information exchange on the frontiers of chemical engineering research in such areas as energy, sustainability, biological and environmental engineering, nanotechnology, and chemical plant safety and security.

The RAPID Manufacturing Institute, part of the Manufacturing USA network, operates out of AIChE, in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE), as a collaborative technology ecosystem (development, scale-up, education) to enable the transformation of the process industries for a decarbonized, energy and capital efficient future further advancing U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

Position Summary

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the RAPID Manufacturing Institute. The CTO develops and “owns” technical strategy, works with the CEO to establish disciplined managing processes, and engages with RAPID members through the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB).  Primary responsibilities include roadmap development, annual project planning, technical performance monitoring; program reviews; portfolio development and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop RAPID’s technology goals and objectives and lead all aspects of the Institute’s technical program, in accordance to the Institute’s mission and strategy.
• Develop a network of practitioners in advanced manufacturing and stay abreast of new advancements. 
• Participate in advanced manufacturing conferences to raise the profile of RAPID in this community.    
• Lead RAPID call for projects, project selection, and communications with entities who submit projects.
• Develop a technology portfolio that covers target industries and technologies, which reflect industry and technical impact, collaboration, schedules, and funding sources.
• Own the Intellectual Property Management Plan and ensure it is being followed.
• Ensure there are clear expectations and milestone for each project, and facilitate collaboration between projects.
• Lead engagements with the Technical Advisory Board (TAB). Set the agenda, identify meeting products, and manage all aspects of the TAB and its sub-teams.
• Perform an annual evaluation of RAPID’s technical project portfolio, evaluating progress toward the institute’s targets; present results to the TAB for review; and work with the RAPID ED to engage with the Governing Board. 
• Develop relationships with members who have committed to provide testbeds and facilities for RAPID projects. Understand facility requirements prior to work being done. Ensure ongoing access for RAPID projects and safe operation.
• Work with the Director of Education & Workforce Development to develop technical programs and content that align with the Institute’s strategy.
• Participate in membership recruitment and member service activities.

Competencies:

• Technical Strategy Execution – Develops and implements a clear, actionable technical roadmap.
• Project Portfolio Management – Oversees project selection, progress tracking, and alignment with industry needs.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Stewardship – Builds strong industry partnerships and fosters collaboration.
• Process & Program Governance – Establishes structured management processes for project oversight and compliance.
• Technical Performance Monitoring – Tracks project KPIs to ensure progress and resource efficiency.
• Industry & Technical Advocacy – Promotes RAPID’s mission at industry events and professional forums.
• Cross-functional Collaboration – Works with education and membership teams to integrate technical initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or related discipline required, with MS or PhD preferred.
• Experience managing large technical projects and leading multi-disciplined teams.
• Expertise and experience with process intensification, modularization, and other advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Experience designing or constructing pilot plants and scale-up. Demonstrated expertise in process safety.
• Track record for delivering results.
• Experience in building and sustaining partner relationships. 
• Experience in R&D portfolio management.
• Collaborative mindset
• Willingness to listen to the opinions and perspectives of others
• Knowledge of, and experience with, the Dept. of Energy and the Manufacturing USA Institutes
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).

Work Environment

This is a demanding position which requires a personal commitment to the missions of AIChE and the DOE’s EERE office, and the ability to handle a diverse project load. The position may be fulfilled via telecommuting by a candidate with demonstrated ability to work across geographic boundaries with multi-location teams. The position is expected to require 20–30% travel.

Compensation Range: $180,000-$200,000 Annually

We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Bonus opportunity
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403b Retirement Plan with Company Match: AIChE 100% of the first 3% of your eligible pay you contribute to the plan
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Holiday pay
• Educational Assistance
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.