Technical Program Manager in Accelerated Materials Design and Discovery
Los Altos, CA
Energy & Materials – Energy & Materials /
Full-time /
Hybrid
At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we’ve built a world-class team in Robotics, Human-Centered AI, Human Interactive Driving, and Energy & Materials.
The Energy & Materials Division is accelerating Toyota’s path to carbon neutrality. Your activities will support the Accelerated Materials Design and Discovery (AMDD) program, which aims to accelerate the discovery of new materials and devices for batteries, fuel cells, and more. Our research merges materials simulations, new experimental data, artificial intelligence, and automation. We collaborate closely with universities, national labs, and colleagues across global Toyota. AMDD seeks to develop and translate the newest technologies into practice, both within Toyota and across the open research community more broadly.
The AMDD program is looking for a program manager who will integrate with our team of researchers, facilitating communication across AMDD and amplifying the impact of our work. The successful candidate thrives in a culture that values diversity, collaboration, humility, and learning. They are energized by their teammates, curious about the possibilities of materials science, and are communicative and organized yet comfortable with ambiguity.
We encourage you to join a creative team of researchers dedicated to enabling a brighter future!
Responsibilities
- Communication: Facilitate clear communication across AMDD, TRI, Toyota Motor Corp., and with external organizations, on topics including project status, team activities, and technical subjects.
- Operations: Manage the execution of meetings and workshops (both in-person and virtual) that bring together stakeholders and collaborators from our network.
- Project/Program Planning: Work with project teams to develop comprehensive plans with concise milestones and support the execution of these activities.
- Change/Risk Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate any changes and risks associated with projects and facilitate discussions with the relevant parties.
- Documentation: Maintain documentation including project updates and lists of publications, patents, presentations, and upcoming activities.
- Relationships: Cultivate relationships within TRI, as well as with key members of the Toyota Group companies and other external organizations. Understand user stories and identify activities that align goals and objectives across organizations.
- Culture of learning: Learn about the nuances of open-ended energy materials and materials informatics research and mentor the team on project management methodologies.
- Celebrate team highlights!
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or related field, and 4 years experience (at least 2 of those managing technical projects). Or, a Master’s degree in materials science, chemical engineering, or related field, and 2 years experience managing technical projects.
- Track record of enabling collaboration in teams across different institutions, departments, and/or roles.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including for technical subjects.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience in research program management, or program / project management for innovative projects targeting ambitious and open-ended challenges.
- Proficient in Japanese.
The pay range for this position at the commencement of employment is expected to be between $122,958 - $176,753/year for California-based roles; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Note that TRI offers a generous benefits package (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave) and an annual cash bonus structure. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
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TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people with unique backgrounds, education and life experiences. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative and collaborative environment by living the values that are an essential part of our culture. We believe diversity makes us stronger and are proud to provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all, without regard to an applicant’s race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, religion, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws.
