VP of Technology

Position Overview

The ARM Institute seeks a VP of Technology responsible for setting and executing the technical strategy of the organization and driving business development for technical opportunities aligned with its mission. This role blends strategic technology leadership with business acumen – driving innovation while cultivating partnerships and revenue streams with commercial industry and government agencies. The position is based at the ARM Institute headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the ARM Institute’s technology strategy in alignment with its strategic plan, ensuring measurable progress toward our Technology Impact Goal: increased adoption of robotics and AI by U.S. manufacturers.
• Serve as the principal advisor to the CEO, leadership team, and Board on emerging technologies, market opportunities, and innovation priorities.
• Lead the ARM Institute’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and convene industry, academic, and government stakeholders to maintain a national Technology Investment Roadmap.
• Oversee the selection, execution, and transition of ARM Institute-funded projects to ensure meaningful impact and commercialization outcomes.
• Act as the primary technical business development leader, driving growth with both commercial and government clients by identifying and securing new grant opportunities from agencies such as the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program (MANTECH), US Air Force, Navy, Army, Department of Commerce, and other government agencies.
• Lead efforts to increase commercial partnerships as identified in the strategic plan and collaborate with the CEO and Chief Workforce Officer to pursue integrated solutions that connect technology innovation with workforce development.
• Engage directly with Congress, DoD, and other federal bodies to advocate for continued and expanded support of ARM Institute initiatives.
• Oversee all technical programs and ensure they meet performance metrics such as Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement, prototype transition into production environments, technology commercialization and transition rates, and growth in funding streams from government and commercial sources.
• Lead the development of the ARM Institute’s AI strategy for consortium members and U.S. manufacturers, and help craft a strategy for accelerated adoption of advanced robotics and AI research.
• Build and mentor a high-performing technical team capable of executing complex, multidisciplinary R&D programs while fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
• Serve as the public face of the Institute’s technology leadership at conferences, in the media, and with member organizations, and partner with academic consortium members to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in robotics/AI and advanced manufacturing or automation, including at least 3 years in senior leadership roles.
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Proven success in technology business development with both commercial industry and government clients.
• Demonstrated track record in commercializing technology and developing revenue-generating services or products.
• Experience in leading large-scale R&D and technology transition programs.
• Deep understanding of robotics integration, AI/ML applications, digital manufacturing systems, and related technologies.
• Experience managing or supporting federal contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements.
• Strong leadership, budget management, and communication skills, with excellent public presentation abilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly for business meetings and conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading innovation within Manufacturing USA Institutes, defense research organizations, or comparable public-private partnerships.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and government contracting compliance.
• Experience in managing or supporting commercial contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements.