Technical and Contract Project Manager

About GDI

GDI is a global researcher and manufacturer of advanced 100% silicon anode technology for next generation Li-ion batteries. They have recently raised a Series A investment and are looking to expand their world class team. The fight against the climate crisis requires next generation battery technology to accelerate electric mobility, defense/aerospace, electronic device performance, and renewable energy integration.

GDI has developed and patented a 100% silicon anode technology that significantly improves battery performance and reduces charging times. GDI has 11 US patents and 40 pending patents globally. Silicon will drive the future of Li-ion battery performance, but it also has many challenges to overcome in order to become the most dominant anode material in the global industry. GDI is looking for hard-working, passionate individuals that want to be on the cutting edge, solving difficult problems.

What truly sets GDI apart is its focus on industrial manufacturing. GDI and its partners are making anodes on industrial solar and glass manufacturing equipment that is already in use worldwide. GDI's 100% silicon anodes will be a game-changing technology across a wide range of industries in the global push for electrification.

As a key member of GDI's growing team, you will help develop the company to do its part in the fight against climate change.

About the Role

GDI is seeking a Technical Project & Contracts Manager to lead the planning, tracking, and reporting of new projects relating to Li-ion battery cell development and manufacturing readiness. This role also includes responsibility for government program engagement, ensuring that GDI strategically identifies, supports, and executes opportunities with federal and state partners, including funding programs, regulatory initiatives, and strategic collaborations.

Roles & Responsibilities

Technical Project Management

• Work with internal stakeholder teams and heads of departments to create project management plans to ensure new products and processes are delivered on time to defined requirements
• Create project schedules to proactively monitor progress, resolve issues where needed, and initiate corrective actions
• Oversee execution of full product development life cycles leading to NPI (New Product Introductions), according to a strategic plan directed by the senior management team
• Identify and manage project risk
• Prepare cost estimates
• Track progress and cost against the planned schedule and budgets
• Manage internal and external stakeholders
• Technical project / proposal writing

Government & Strategic Partner Relations

• Identify and track federal and state government programs relevant to advanced battery materials, manufacturing scale-up, and defense/aerospace needs.
• Coordinate development of proposals for government funding opportunities (DOE, DOD, ARPA-E, state economic development agencies, etc.).
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, program managers, and strategic public-sector partners.
• Support compliance with government grant and contract reporting requirements and timelines.
• Collaborate with internal leadership to ensure government initiatives are aligned with corporate strategy and technology roadmaps.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required. PMP preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience managing Research and Development projects (Extensive project management experience)
• Experience managing key stakeholder inclusive of high-level customers and investors
• Experience in delivery of large scale NPI projects into manufacturing environments
• Ability to implement innovative and flexible project management methodologies
• Professional proficiency in English (oral and written)
• Experience developing and creating project proposals
• Experience using project management software

Ideal Candidate

• Self-driven, proactive, and highly independent
• Thrives in a fast-paced startup environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player mindset
• Open-minded, creative, and results-oriented
• Well-developed organizational skills

Location

Rochester, NY, hybrid will also be considered.

Travel: Some travel may be required domestically (up to 10%) annually, depending on Covid restrictions and safety requirements. A valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle may be required.

Compensation: Salary range is from $80,000 to $130,000 based upon relevant education and experience.

Position Classification: This position is classified as exempt per NYS guidelines.
As a start-up company, the expectation is to work a minimum of 40 hours per week as necessary to complete job responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Stock options (i.e. when the company does well, we will all do well).
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Eligibility: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Please send a cover letter and resume to: [email protected], subject line should be "Applicant: Technical Project & Contracts Manager". Should we both decide to move forward with your candidacy for this position, we will ask for a list of at least two professional references.

GDI is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices and laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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