MxD | CTO

Are you ready to take on challenges requiring more than a single company’s resources—leading the way in Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 (4IR) to secure digital transformation which includes the factory floor? MxD is a National Manufacturing Institute that builds a collaborative ecosystem to solve the most cutting-edge digital problems in manufacturing. A public-private partnership, we focus on modernizing and securing manufacturing operations across the U.S.

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), reporting to the CEO, you will elevate and address digital manufacturing opportunities, connect government resources with MxD’s 300 business members and engineering team, and guide the development and implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions. MxD is primarily funded through a Department of Defense grant, competitive grants, member fees, and fee-for-service engagements. As the external-facing Head of Technology, you will expand your network to elevate these issues, secure government funding, and MxD’s competitive RFP process to develop cutting-edge manufacturing solutions.

As a thought leader and technical expert, you’ll provide strategic guidance on critical manufacturing technology areas such as industrial IoT, digital thread and digital twin, AI and advanced analytics, and secure data architectures with a focus on increasing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing. You’ll manage a diverse team of ~30 people, including manufacturing engineers, the PMO, and the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, collaborating to create proactive Industry 4.0 solutions.

The MxD Future Factory is a hands-on, physical testing space for digital manufacturing and cybersecurity solutions. While you will work a hybrid schedule in Chicago, collaboration onsite is key, as the senior leadership team and your chain of command typically work part of the week in the lab. This is a high-visibility role offering speaking engagements and acts as a pioneer in the national dialogue around Smart Manufacturing where their work can influence industries across the country, not just within a single organization.

Essential Responsibilities:

Technical Strategy & Vision

• Develop and communicate a technology strategy and roadmaps with input from MxD’s partners and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the needs of U.S. manufacturing.
• Conduct technical strategy sessions with industry thought leaders to identify key problem areas in digital manufacturing and cybersecurity.
• Lead the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Cybersecurity Steering Committee (CSC) to guide MxD’s technology strategy and promote MxD’s value.
• Partner with the CEO and other Senior Leadership Team (SLT) members to develop the overall MxD strategy.

Project Operations

• Oversee MxD’s PMO which is managing an 80 project portfolio at any given time, demonstrating digital manufacturing and cybersecurity solutions that can be deployed in operational environments.
• Manage the MxD Future Factory as a test and demonstration space for digital manufacturing technologies and cybersecurity.
• Ensure best practices and agile methodologies are applied throughout the project lifecycle, from ideation to closeout.

Partner Engagement & External Relations

• Serve as MxD’s principal subject matter expert in Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, and cybersecurity, including representing the organization at industry events.
• Promote MxD’s technology leadership brand, engaging external stakeholders such as universities, research facilities, government agencies, and industry associations.
• Work with members and the Director of Government Business Development to pursue and secure funding opportunities and engage with key stakeholders.
• Leverage the TAC and CSC to increase member and government engagement, as well as value delivery.

Organizational & Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a 30-person team, including technical strategists, manufacturing engineers, cybersecurity experts, and the Project Management Office (PMO).
• Manage departmental P&L responsibilities and drive key performance metrics across the teams.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and drive emerging opportunities, generating funding for departmental and corporate priorities through grant writing and engaging with federal government partners.

Position Requirements:

• Senior leadership experience in digital manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 (4IR), technology development, or related fields.
• Commanding technical expertise, with experience strategizing and executing roadmaps, programs, and initiatives. Candidates should possess technical expertise in several areas listed in the preferred qualifications below. Awareness of their own technical knowledge limitations and demonstrated collaboration with other thought leaders to create comprehensive solutions is important.
• An externally focused mindset with executive presence, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence beyond their chain-of-command by directly engaging with customers, vendors, or government agencies.
• Demonstrated success driving fast-paced, innovative solutions using Agile methodologies while managing multiple departments and navigating complex matrixed relationships.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, computer) or a technical field. Advanced degree not required but would be a benefit.
• Ability to work onsite 2 days per week in our Chicago Goose Island location and travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of digital manufacturing technologies such as digital twin, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
• Experience with manufacturing enterprise systems, including ERP, PLM, MES, SCADA, and MOM.
• Expertise in cybersecurity frameworks and guidelines such as NIST and CIS.
• Understanding of the manufacturing product development lifecycle from design to production to disposal.
• Strong familiarity with a broad swath of manufacturing production processes (batch, subtractive, additive, castings/forgings, etc.), ideally with experience or ideas on how to bring digital transformation to machining, stamping, and injection molding.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and data analytics driven process improvement methodologies.
• A network of relationships within the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies, as well as experience working on federal contracts.
• Knowledge of manufacturing (OT) hardware (example: PLCs and their data opportunities and security risks)
• Proven ability to write technical project descriptions for government grants and/or proposals as a vendor bidding on work.
• Knowledge of workforce reskilling programs to support digital transformation in manufacturing.
• Business development experience
• Previous experience working with universities, research facilities, and industry associations
• Comfortable delivering presentations on complex topics to a wide range of audiences
• Awareness of manufacturing Supply Chain dynamics and challenges related to supplier diversity and information sharing

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 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 roll through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t 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.

Located on Goose Island in Chicago, our state-of-the-art facility features a digital factory floor and serves as a hub for collaboration with industry, academia, and government. We offer flexible work arrangements, free parking, and shuttle services and are accessible to the “el.” At MxD, you’ll be part of an inclusive environment where innovation and collaboration are key to success.

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