Chemical engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Technical Program Manager

The AI Simulation (AISim) Business Unit is deploying our internal platform and Large Quantitative Models across critical semiconductor material verticals. The Operations function is the execution backbone of the BU, keeping a multi-vertical program on track across science, engineering, partnerships, and reporting.

We are seeking a Technical Program Manager to serve as a cross-functional operational leader across a portfolio of technical programs. This is a unique opportunity to partner with highly-specialized and talented scientific and engineering teams within the semiconductor material development space. If you thrive managing complex programs with cross-org dependencies, real ambiguity instead of a defined spec, technical risk, competing senior stakeholders, and serious downside if deliverables slip, this is a great opportunity for you.

In this role, you will establish the operating cadence across teams and functions, drive clear milestone and status communication, surface risks and dependencies early, and build the processes, tools, and playbooks that help the organization scale execution effectively. You will work closely with senior leaders across science, product, engineering, business development, and operations to keep priorities aligned and programs moving.

See how SandboxAQ is helping build America's semiconductor supply chain from the materials up

Key Responsibilities

• Run the cross-vertical operating cadence for Chemical Simulation, including weekly stand-ups, monthly business reviews, and quarterly reporting cycles, ensuring on-time, audit-ready delivery to government stakeholders.
• Own the cross-vertical source of truth for milestones, dependencies, risks, and decisions across the several programmatic areas; surface variance early and drive corrective action with the GM and Vertical Leads.
• Serve as the day-to-day operational interface to government counterparts, translating technical progress into compliance-grade narratives, deliverables, and quarterly updates.
• Coordinate cross-functional execution across Vertical Leads, Platform Engineering, Product, BD, Recruiting, Finance, and Legal/Compliance to unblock teams and protect program timelines.
• Design and operationalize the program management toolkit for Chemical Simulation, including dashboards, decision logs, resourcing models, and reporting templates that scale across verticals and survive leadership transitions.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 8+ years managing complex, multi-workstream technical programs in regulated, high-stakes environments (federal contracts, defense, large enterprise R&D, or similar).
• Demonstrated experience operating against U.S. Government program requirements, including familiarity with milestone reporting, compliance documentation, and contracting cadence.
• Strong technical literacy across AI, scientific computing, or materials/chemistry programs sufficient to challenge schedules, scope, and dependencies credibly with senior scientists and engineers.
• Exceptional executive-level communication; able to translate technical detail for non-technical government and executive audiences and to drive trade-off conversations when scope, time, or budget are at risk.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (engineering, computer science, physical sciences, or related); advanced degree preferred.
• Because this position supports specific U.S. Government contractual requirements, we can only consider US Persons (Permanent Residents or Citizens) at this time.

Highly Desired Skills & Experience

• Direct experience supporting or executing CHIPS Act, BAA, OTA, or similar federally funded R&D programs.
• Familiarity with materials science, semiconductor manufacturing, or computational chemistry program contexts.
• Experience standing up the operating system of a new BU or program office in a high-growth company.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification.

Why Join Us?

We offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Compensation: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus equity and performance-based incentives.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; generous parental leave.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements, generous PTO, and a culture that respects focus time and recovery.
• Career Development: Direct exposure to CHIPS Act-funded programs, senior scientific and executive leadership, mentorship, and dedicated learning budgets to support continued growth.

SandboxAQ Welcomes All

We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect, where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Our multidisciplinary environment provides ample opportunity for continuous growth - working alongside humble, empowered, and ambitious colleagues ready to tackle epic challenges.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.

Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.

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