COMPANY OVERVIEW 

NextFlex, America’s Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE) Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is a public-private partnership charged with the mission of advancing U.S. global leadership in this exciting new additive approach of manufacturing electronic devices, modules, and systems. NextFlex develops innovative designs, materials, manufacturing, and testing technologies and shares the results with Institute members and the U.S. Government. Our work advances the next generation of electronics and electronics packaging for multiple markets including communications, asset monitoring, transportation, and medical, to name a few. These devices have applications in situation awareness, AR/VR, and autonomous vehicles, etc. for both commercial and military markets. 

NextFlex’s core activity is a competitive R&D program with academic, industry and U.S. Government investment. Prototype development and manufacturing is performed at the NextFlex HQ site utilizing the world’s first end-to-end FHE pilot line. Complementing NextFlex’s focus on developing and commercializing emerging technologies is a comprehensive STEM and Education & Workforce Development Program (EWD). We create and operate a portfolio of learning programs for technology company employers, higher education institutions, non-profits, and K-12 entities. The primary EWD goals are attracting, growing, and training the future manufacturing workforce while up-skilling and retraining the existing workforce.

NextFlex, based in San Jose, California, offers a competitive compensation package, excellent benefits, and a collaborative work environment.

POSITION SUMMARY

NextFlex’s Executive Director will lead a premier U.S. Manufacturing Institute, successfully demonstrating superb managerial, financial, and operational skills. The position regularly interacts with electronics industry executives, leading academic researchers, senior leadership from the Department of Defense, and other key stakeholders.

With a team of 50+ professionals and engineers, the Executive Director is responsible for creating the Institute’s business and financial plans, driving the strategy of the R&D & Manufacturing Services component, and advancing the 501(c)(3) NextFlex Learning Program. The overarching goal is to leverage NextFlex’s assets to help build a U.S. FHE manufacturing ecosystem. 

FlexTech Alliance is the parent organization of NextFlex. Consequently, the Executive Director reports to the FlexTech Alliance President/CEO and to NextFlex’s Governing Council. The R&D and prototype manufacturing activities are closely coordinated with the U.S. Government Program Manager and U.S. Government CTO for successful program execution.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a seasoned industry or academic executive with the experience and vision to lead one of only 17 Manufacturing Institutes in the U.S. Combining executive competence with strong technical skills, the Executive Director will build a collaborative environment for Industry, Academic, and Federal partners. The candidate will demonstrate prior success in growing a small company or business unit by creating stakeholder value and managing a highly skilled team. The new Executive Director should possess a track record of innovation in cutting-edge technologies with experience in advanced packaging/FHE/heterogeneous integration preferred. The candidate will have substantial experience in R&D and/or manufacturing in the semiconductor, advanced packaging or related industry. Direct experience or enthusiasm for a nimble start-up environment is required. Lastly, the ideal candidate will be passionate about strengthening U.S. electronics manufacturing as articulated in the CHIPS for America Program.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Core responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Advocating for the proliferation and adoption of additive electronics manufacturing into mainstream U.S. electronics supply chains;
• Creating, articulating, and executing a successful strategy for the Institute including manufacturing technology and economic sustainability;
• Managing the NextFlex Institute, R&D and Manufacturing Program, and the Workforce Development Program;
• Collaborating with the U.S. Government Program Manager, the U.S. Government CTO, and other partners for successful program execution;
• Reporting to the Governing Council and U.S. Government regarding NextFlex program operations, finances, and strategy;
• Overseeing the preparation of proposals to federal, state, and local governments for grants;
• Administering Federal Participation Agreements;
• Hosting Government Leaders, senior DoD Officers, and Corporate Executives;
• Supervising preparation of the Institute annual budget; sources and uses of funds;
• Assuring collection, delivery and retention of records describing the use of federal funds;
• Building coalitions with other organizations (e.g., U.S. Manufacturing Institutes).

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge

• Executive and technical management experience including advanced technologies, technology roadmaps, budgets, operations,  and stakeholder outreach
• A background in microelectronics, semiconductors, or adjacent industry 
• Experience in product development and technology transition
• Proven leadership experience in R&D and Manufacturing
• Experience in creating and executing strategies and plans
• Track record in innovation and cutting-edge technologies
• P & L responsibility of organizations at the $15m+ level
• Financial and personnel management experience
• Experience managing large project teams, business units, or a small business
• Day-to-day operations knowledge of interaction with suppliers and equipment manufacturers

Skills

• Effective leadership and substantive networking skills
• Collaborative mindset
• Organized and strategic thinker who can carry from ideation through to execution
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• National level speaking ability, able to effectively communicate the Institute's mission, assets, and objectives
• A passion for the technology and dedication needed to make a positive impact on U.S. manufacturing
• Emotionally mature; willingness to listen to the opinions and perspectives of others 
• Adaptability

Education & Experience 

• Graduate level degree in Engineering, Business or related field required, doctoral degree preferred 
• 10+ years of experience in the semiconductor, advanced packaging and/or adjacent industries required
• Additional experience in government program management and reporting is a plus, including contract development  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Manage the NextFlex Leadership Team (NextFlex Directors).

COMPENSATION 

The compensation range: $180,000 - $400,000. The exact compensation may vary based upon skills & experience. 

A Compensation Committee of the NextFlex Governing Council determines the Executive Director’s compensation package, including base salary, performance-based bonus, and other elements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Prolonged hours sitting at a desk working on a computer or in an auto or airplane.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 

~20-30% travel for events, meetings, and conferences.

WORK AUTHORIZATION / REQUIREMENTS

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Executive Director must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 

 Note: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER / VETERANS / DISABLED 

NextFlex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against based on disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

ABOUT MANUFACTURING USA

Manufacturing USA was formally established in 2014 as the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. Manufacturing USA institutes bring together industry, academia, and federal partners within a growing network of advanced manufacturing institutes to increase U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and promote a robust and sustainable national manufacturing R&D infrastructure.