Chief Technology Officer (Cto)

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited PTO programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides. MxD embodies a strong startup culture with its creative and collaborative working environment, fostering curiosity and innovation. Diversity is key and integral to MxD culture, as different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas are critical to success.

Position Overview

MxD is seeking an experienced, hands-on Chief Technology Officer (CTO), reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to lead the development and execution of MxDs technology strategy and project portfolio and act as a technology evangelist for the institute through public speaking opportunities. This role is a contributing member of the MxD Senior Leadership Team (SLT), collaborating to develop and execute the organizations technology portfolio and drive the institutes long-term growth and sustainability. This role is self-directed, providing autonomy over the project management process from ideation to closeout and applying digital manufacturing and cybersecurity technology throughout the project portfolio and on the MxD Future Factory floor. This role engages with key government, member organizations, and industry stakeholders to promote MxD, raise awareness of digital and cybersecurity within manufacturing, and secure MxD funding through grants and appropriations.

The ideal candidate is a highly entrepreneurial and inspirational leader passionate about advancing U.S. manufacturing and accelerating the adoption of digital manufacturing technologies. The successful candidate has a demonstrated ability to set strategy and motivate their team to meet challenging goals while maintaining high-quality service standards and timelines. S/he will be comfortable with ambiguity and self-drive to craft a vision and create structure within the ambiguity.

Position Responsibilities

Organizational and Team Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Technology Strategy, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Project Management Office (PMO) teams, including department P&L responsibility.

• Drive operational excellence across all teams through key performance metrics.

• Evaluate, prioritize, and rationalize emerging opportunities.

• Generating funding for departmental and corporate priorities through grant writing and engaging with key federal government partners.

Technical Strategy & Vision

• Develop and communicate a technology strategy and associated roadmaps, with input from MxD partners and stakeholders, to ensure that it meets the needs of industry and government partners, advances U.S. manufacturing, and supports the organizations strategic business plan.

• Conduct technical strategy sessions with industry thought leaders to identify key problem areas facing U.S. manufacturing that can be addressed by digital manufacturing and cybersecurity solutions.

• Align and coordinate technology roadmaps/portfolios with relevant government, university, and industry partners, evaluating potential opportunities and threats from emerging technologies.

• Lead the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Cybersecurity Steering Committee (CSC) as thought leadership groups that support the development of MxDs technology strategy and help evangelize MxDs value.

Project Operations

• Oversee MxDs project portfolio, which aims to de-risk and demonstrate digital manufacturing and cybersecurity solutions that can be deployed in operational environments.

• Ensure best practices are used throughout the project process, from ideation to project closeout, to achieve successful outcomes and enable the handover process to develop applied R&D projects.

• Continuously improve the MxD project management process using agile methodology.

• Manage and drive the MxD Future Factory floor as a test and demonstration space for MxDs and members digital manufacturing and cybersecurity portfolio to deliver maximum value for members.

Partner Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as MxDs principal subject matter expert in digital manufacturing and cybersecurity, providing strategic and tactical direction to internal teams and partners, as well as representing the organization externally, including speaking at industry events.

• Promote MxDs technology leadership brand with external and internal stakeholders, including MxDs capabilities, equipment, expertise, and services to attract research and technology development engagement from universities and research facilities, government agencies, and industry associations.

• Cultivate relationships with external subject matter experts and partners from industry, academia, and government.

• Collaborate with the VP of Membership Engagement and External Relations to implement a scalable impact framework and metrics that will enable MxD to measure and track technical progress for itself and its partners.

• Leverage the TAC and CSC to increase member and government engagement and value delivery.

• Partner with members and the Director of Government Business Development to pursue funding opportunities.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum 15 years of senior or increasing experience in manufacturing, technology, or related.

• Bachelors degree in engineering or technical field, an advanced degree is preferred but not required.

• Knowledge of manufacturing enterprise systems such as ERP, PLM, MOM, MES, and SCADA

• Candidate will be familiar with various basic manufacturing processes, including machining, stamping, and injection molding, as well as data analytics and process improvement techniques such as Lean and Six Sigma

• Basic knowledge of digital manufacturing technologies such as digital twin, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, as well as cybersecurity guidelines and frameworks, including NIST and CIS.

• Superior communication and collaboration skills, using a confident yet savvy and tactful approach

• Must have an externally focused mindset with a history of direct customer interaction and a network of relationships with manufacturing and technology companies, including the digital manufacturing software vendor ecosystem and machine tool vendors. A network of relationships and experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies is also desired

• Strong track record in perseverance, execution, and a history of rolling up their sleeves to get the job done.

• Reputation for action and follow-through.

• Professional experience in manufacturing, technology development, and project management is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in leading, developing, and managing multiple departments

• Proven experience building and navigating relationships in a matrix-style organization

• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to travel up 25%

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart!

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and dont mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.

• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.

• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

• MxD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, our communities, and within the tech industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.