Project Manager, RAPID

AIChE 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 and biological processes to develop safe and useful products for the benefit of society. We support key industry needs in a variety of technology by creating professional communities in areas related to chemical and biological engineering; identification of gaps and barriers in implementation of technology, and identification of needed research to the technology domains including chemical process development, biological engineering, bioprocessing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, process intensification, process development, materials research and nano-technology.

The RAPID Manufacturing Institute, part of the Manufacturing USA network, operates out of AIChE, and in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to promote transformation of the chemical process industry with the goals of improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing safety and productivity.

Position Summary

The Project Lead reports to RAPID’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The Project Lead works with RAPID staff to monitor and facilitate a portfolio of research projects with current/prospective RAPID members and the broader community. The Project Lead works with the rest of RAPID’s Team to facilitate a wide range of activities within the RAPID Manufacturing Institute, and is a key member of RAPID project teams and acts as an interface between the project partners as well as the funding agencies technical and contracting functions.  Specific responsibilities include coordinating project stewardship activities (reviews, reports, etc.), budget tracking and modifications through collaboration with the Operations Team, identifying new proposal opportunities and organizing project teams, and communicating RAPID progress at public events/conferences.

This is a rewarding and demanding position that requires personal dedication to the missions of AIChE, RAPID, and the DOE, 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. Under normal circumstances, the position is expected to require approximately 20% travel.

Responsibilities

• Perform project management for RAPID R&D projects, including those resulting from the DOE award and other additional projects from other sources
• Manage projects across their lifecycle: initiation, execution, reporting, and close-out.
• Monitor progress against milestones and budgets; identify risks, roadblocks, solutions, and implement work plan changes when needed.
• Maintain compliance with reporting requirements and deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate preparation and submission of technical and financial reports to RAPID leadership and government agencies.
• Work with senior-level RAPID staff to assist with strategic program management
• Handle the logistics for virtual and face-to-face meetings and events
• Works as part of the RAPID Team to review project results and progress and their contribution to Institute metrics.
• Collaborate with RAPID Operations and AIChE Finance Teams to track project budgets, implement modifications, and ensure adherence to sub-award agreements.
• Ensure project milestones and financials are properly reported to Institute Leadership and funding agencies.
• Contribute to new funding proposals to agencies and other funding institutions.
• Drive cross-fertilization and ensure strong communications across the Institute and project teams.
• Support the RAPID Institute in other areas where support may be needed (for example:  Membership, EWD, etc.)

Skills

• Project management skills: plan timelines, implement projects and complete milestones
• Meticulous organizational and scheduling skills
• Relationship management with multiple levels of stakeholders in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to take ownership and motivate a team in a project-centered environment
• Adapt to new situations and quickly problem solve
• Affinity for technical learning and application
• Track record for delivering results.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Experience in building and sustaining partner relationships.
• Relationship management with multiple levels of stakeholders in a highly collaborative environment.

Software Proficiencies

• MS Office Products (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams)
• Project management software (e.g. Smartsheet)
• Web Conferencing (e.g. Teams, Zoom)

Competencies

• Accountability
• Project Management
• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Accountability
• Collaboration

Educational Requirements & Experience

• Degree in chemical engineering; graduate degree preferred
• 2-3 years’ work experience in chemical engineering after acquiring the undergraduate degree
• Work experience with corporate, academic, government, non-profit organizations
• Expertise in process safety and environmental compliance.

Compensation Range: $80,000- $100,000

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.