Innovation Project Manager

SUMMARY

The Research and Technology Manager is responsible for creating breakthrough and disruptive based innovations.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. General Tasks
a. Generate breakthrough innovations in the areas of materials, composites, inflation systems and new manufacturing methods.
b. Utilize the paradigm deconstruction techniques to “think outside of the box”.
c. Apply the fail fast/fail cheap methodology to rapidly and inexpensively pursue innovation opportunities.
d. Manage requirements to obtain the various Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) of new innovations.

2. New Technology Tasks
a. Complete data mining tasks and participate in “think tank” sessions on a recurring basis to generate breakthrough ideas and opportunities.
b. Collaborate with other employees to generate breakthrough ideas and opportunities.
c. Attend technical symposiums, conferences, workshops to constantly learn about new technologies.
d. Manage the ideas, opportunities and inventions matrix.
e. Locate external research and technology partners and then negotiate and execute exclusivity agreements.
f. Manage recurring weekly status update meetings with external research and technology partners and ensure meeting minutes and actions lists are distributed within 24 hours of the meeting.
g. Manage projects to take innovations from Technology Readiness Level 1 (idea) to Technology Readiness Level 6 (tested prototype) and Manufacturing Readiness Level 1 (idea) to Manufacturing Readiness Level 4 (capable to produce the technology in a lab environment).
h. Manage the hand off of innovations to the Technical Center of Excellence, Engineering Department and Manufacturing Department.
3. Management Tasks
a. Manage the Innovation Department Hoshin Kanri Master Plan.
b. Manage the value stream budgets including issuing purchase requests, managing purchase orders and payment of invoices Manage the Innovation Department action lists.
c. Manage the matrix of weekly accomplishments and barriers.
d. Delegate tasks to direct reports.
e. Manage the Innovation Department manual ensuring it is always up to date.
f. Collect and manage the Innovation Department metrics.
g. Manage the creation of the recurring Innovation Review presentations.
h. Complete presentations for visitors and customers when required.
i. Setup the Innovation Exhibits for visitors and customers when required.

4. Intellectual Property Tasks
a. Complete and distribute the monthly TechWatch report detailing new patent activity within SEV's industry.
b. Complete and submit invention disclosure forms to Safran for new patent applications.
c. Draft patent applications.
d. Complete office actions from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for active patent applications.
e. Provide awards to inventors for patent applications and granted patents.
f. Manage and pay maintenance fees for active patents.
g. Complete and manage invention non-disclosure agreements with partners.

5. Safran Tasks
a. Complete all Safran related innovation tasks.
b. Implement all required sections of the Safran TEC Handbooks.
c. Implement all required Safran GRP procedures.
d. Maintain the Safran Technology Roadmap and present the roadmap contents to Safran and SEV management when required.
e. Provide updates on teams and projects to satisfy Safran reviews.

6. Other duties as assigned.
a. Manage innovation involvement in cross-functional teams. (SWAT and Six Sigma)
b. Provide updates on teams and projects to satisfy customer reviews.
c. Manage an open working relationship with the Technical Center of Excellence.

CONTRIBUTION TO SAFRAN AEROSYSTEMS EVACUATION

To use creative thinking and unique ideas in fundamentally different ways to create tomorrow's opportunities.



SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research and Technology Manager will be responsible for supervising resources dedicated to:

• Advancing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of new technologies.
• Managing Innovation projects
• Creating and managing SEV's intellectual property
• Completing Safran related innovation tasks




ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regular attendance is an essential job function.

Most work is conducted from a sitting position, however, both standing and walking are required as well as ability to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.



WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work sometimes involves working near moving or mechanical equipment. The employee is regularly exposed to fumes and airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Language Skills

1. Must be fluent in English with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals related to and innovation.
2. Must be able to clearly and effectively present information to team members and management in English.


Mathematical Skills

Must be able to perform engineering related calculations.


Computer Skills

Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.


Education and Experience

Recommended to have a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and at least three years of related experience.


Reasoning Ability

1. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
2. Ability to analyze problems and identify the root cause.
3. Ability to make decisions based on facts.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Must be able to work independently with little direction.
2. Must be able to manage multiple projects at the same time.
3. Must have the ability to deliver to plan and deadlines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Some Travel to Safran facilities, suppliers, external partners, conferences, and workshops will be required.