Job Title:   Principal Investigator

Department/Division:  Space Power, Optics and Thermal Products

Company:   DR Technologies, Inc.

Location:   San Diego, CA 

Position Summary:

The Principal Investigator is responsible for bidding, winning and executing research and development programs that advance the component and subsystem technologies consistent with the Space Power, Optics and Thermal Products Business Area goals and strategies.  The PI also acts as a program manager for R&D and pilot production programs, managing the cost, schedule, and technical execution from inception to completion. This position is responsible for all essential technical and programmatic functions.  Technical functions include performance of tradeoffs and conceptual designs, defining and monitoring the work of support engineering design and analysis personnel, defining and monitoring demonstration hardware builds and testing, and preparing technical documentation.  Programmatic functions include estimation of the scope of effort and associated proposal preparation, preparation of a program plan including the project schedule and budgets, assessing program risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigations, serving as the primary contact to the customer, preparing and leading customer briefings, and developing follow-on business opportunities.  

Essential Job Duties:

• Responsible for conducting advanced development of technologies that support strategic efforts in new product development
• Manages program cost, schedule, and technical requirements in compliance with company standards to insure that customer requirements are met.
• Serve as the primary focal point for customers and for establishing a rapport of trust and understanding.
• Work with customers to determine needs, requirements, and solutions for new research and development opportunities including pursuit team leadership and management.
• Ensure all resources such as engineering, manpower, facilities, equipment, tools, etc. are available for successful program execution.
• Develop and oversee methods to monitor and control program performance against cost, schedule, and quality including defining program metrics.
• Develop and present executive briefings on programs and new business opportunities and solutions.
• Establish strategic relationships with customers, suppliers and key business partners to strengthen business opportunities with customers.

 

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of spacecraft components and subsystems, and the role of composite materials in them.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, such as MSOffice.
• Familiarity with research and development techniques such as monte-carlo simulation or other modeling, design of experiment, qualification testing and traceability, and performance and environmental durability test approaches.
• Ability to set up, manage and execute applied research programs developing components and subsystems, and transitioning the technology into practical producible products.
• Strong history of effective leadership through communicating, motivating, inspiring, and rewarding individuals and teams.
• Successful track record of managing complex programs and meeting all program objectives including cost, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in leading and managing pursuits and proposals for large, complex programs.
• Proven ability to work effectively with customers, large prime contractors, suppliers, business partners, in addition to company senior management.
• Due to government contracts, candidate must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Education/Experience: 

Bachelors or Masters Degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, material science or aerospace) or physics.   

Minimum 5 years relevant experience as a Program Manager or as a Project Engineer/ Project Manager for spacecraft programs involving advanced solar photovoltaic panels, lightweight optics, thermal control components and/or advanced composite structures.

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time. 

To apply, send your resume by…

      FAX to:  (858) 587-4209

      Email to:  tstern@drtechnologies.com