Research Program Manager - Hypersonics

Research Program Manager (Hypersonics)

The University of Minnesota's National Security Research Institute (NSRI) seeks a Research Program Manager (Hypersonics) to lead business development, program creation, and delivery of a high-impact hypersonics portfolio. The role combines sponsor-facing program leadership (contracting, reporting, planning) with technical fluency in hypersonics related topics to translate needs into winning proposals. Reports to : Executive Director, NSRI. Works closely with : faculty and other researchers, RIO Sponsored Projects Administration, RIO Research Integrity and Compliance (including Export Controls), RIO Finance, relevant colleges, centers and institutes, the AVP for External Affairs & Communications, and the AVP for Research Capacity Building.

Position Duties and Responsibilities :

• Business Development & Capture (50%)
• Work with hypersonics faculty and research staff to develop proposals, support pre-award and post-award project management, and streamline the contracting process to maximize research productivity.
• Drive the hypersonics opportunity pipeline (12-24 months) across AFRL / AFOSR, ONR / NAVAIR, Army, DARPA, and NASA centers.
• Shape opportunities (white papers, SOIs, briefings), build teams (UMN, labs, primes), and develop competitive, compliant submissions.
• Develop networks across the hypersonic space and engage in creation of new programmatic opportunities.
• Provide support on targeted efforts aligned with the funding (e.g., materials / TPS for extreme environments, aerothermal M&S, propulsion / GNC, flight or ground test campaigns).
• Assist with technical scoping, milestones, and deliverables; mentor students / staff; publish and present results as appropriate.
• Government Interface & Partnerships (20%)
• Act as day-to-day interface to sponsors, ranges, and primes; coordinate PMRs / IPRs, site visits, tech exchanges, and test access.
• Accurately convey program status and technical nuance between government PMs and UMN teams-no "message drift."
• Contracting, Reporting & Program Operations (15%)
• Assist with FAR / DFARS / OTA award administration : SOW / CDRLs, budgets, mods, subawards, and closeout.
• Maintain the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), risk register, and EV-style cost / schedule tracking; participate in generation of compliant reports (quad charts, IPMDAR-like status, ETC / EAC).
• Team Leadership, Mentoring & Workforce (10%)
• Supervise project staff; coordinate student pipelines (capstones, internships, fellowships).
• Help design short courses / workshops with sponsors to build workforce readiness.
• Governance, Compliance & Ethics (5%)
• Ensure ITAR / EAR, CUI, DD254, secure compute / data practices, and IP / CRADA / DUA terms are observed.
• Provide concise quarterly portfolio updates for the ED, Governing Board, and Faculty Advisory Board.

Additional Information :

Flexible Work Profile :

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the National Security Research Institute (NSRI) endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. This position was designated to be fully in the office / lab (Profile 1) or partially remote (Profile 2, with work expected to be performed in the office / lab a minimum of 3 days per week). At least initially, the incumbent will be expected to spend more time in the office / lab to ease onboarding, create connections with team members, and initiate collaborations. Work schedule will be finalized with the supervisor and will be dependent on the research program needs. Regardless of the typical work arrangement set, this role comes with the requirement to attend numerous on-campus work events and on-site meetings for collaboration and team effectiveness. Unless collaborating at a research program site, the incumbent will work from the NSRI office in Suite 450 in the McNamara Alumni Center located at 200 SE Oak Street on the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus. RIO management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications :

About the Department :

The National Security Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Minnesota serves as a national hub to drive interdisciplinary partnerships on national security-related funding opportunities. NSRI advances leading-edge research and workforce training programs that deliver significant value for...

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.