Regional Innovation & Partnerships Lead

At Solvus Global, We Are…Innovators, Builders, Entrepreneurs, Makers, Creators, Dreamers, DOERSSolvus Global builds solutions to market-wide gaps in the materials and manufacturing sector. We build metal parts that weigh a literal ton; we produce metal powders that protect submarines; we build software that connects whole factories; we build AI tools that make scrap recycling more profitable; and we build robots that repair critical infrastructure. Our team spins out these enterprise technology solutions into independent startups ready to build a team, raise capital, and launch our solutions at scale. The Opportunity with Solvus Global Is…Dynamic, Engaging, Cross-Disciplinary, Cutting-Edge, Flexible, EMPOWERINGFollowing the establishment of our Rolla, MO office, we are seeking a Regional Innovation & Partnerships Lead to serve as the strategic anchor for our local operations. In this role, you will deepen our partnerships with Missouri S&T and key industry co-tenants like Boeing and Caterpillar.As the primary site leader, you will be responsible for identifying high-value opportunities, securing technical contracts, and managing the early-stage R&D ecosystem. You will own the site’s P&L and strategic roadmap, ensuring the Rolla office serves as a high-growth engine for the broader Solvus Global portfolio. Key ResponsibilitiesPartnership Architecture: Form and solidify deep-rooted partnerships with academic leads and industrial partnersStrategic Opportunity Capture: Identify and secure new technical programs, government grants like SBIR/STTR, and commercial contracts within Missouri and the broader manufacturing ecosystemR&D Leadership: Manage early-stage R&D projects, navigating the ambiguity of new technology areas to move solutions toward commercial viabilityTalent Mentorship: Coach junior members and MS&T student talent, instilling a "First Principles" mindset and the Solvus "Self-starter & Doer" cultureStrategic P&L Oversight: Partner with the centralized finance team to manage the Rolla site budget, ensuring all R&D activities and site operations align with corporate GAAP standardsCulture Carrier: Embody the "Everyone is in the field" culture—no task is too small, and no obstacle is too bigContractual Excellence: Work alongside the contracting team to ensure technical milestones in joint development agreements (JDAs) or government programs are met to trigger timely revenue recognitionRegional Incentive Capture: Proactively identify and leverage Missouri-specific financial incentives, including state manufacturing tax credits, workforce development grants, and local utility rebates to offset operational costs.Required Attributes & SkillsMust be a US Person according to FAR22 CFR 120.15 -US Person5+ Years of Experience in Technical Engineering Field; able to lead deep-tech diligence and conversations5+ Years of Experience in Business Development role with a track record of closing joint development or project-based agreements (commercial or government)3+ Years of Experience for P&L Responsibility, including budget managementExceptional ability to build trust and "speak the language" of diverse stakeholdersFamiliarity with the mechanics of government-funded R&D and contractingCritical understanding of new technology areas and enterprise needsProven experience mentoring and developing high performers into technical leads and group leadersExceptional ability to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial enterprise needsProven ability to navigate ambiguity and lead in an agile, "hands-on" environment.A mindset focused on fundamental problem-solving to drive technical and business breakthroughs.Excellent peer to peer and customer communication (written, oral, presentation)Advantageous Attributes & SkillsPh.D. or Master’s in Engineering (Chemical, Materials, or Mechanical)Experience securing government grants (DOD, DOE, NSF, ARPA-E).Experience/Expertise in various Additive Manufacturing technologies (WAAM, CSAM, FSAM specifically)Background in aerospace-oriented business development and growthLocation: Rolla, MO