The Civil-Military Innovation Institute, Inc. (CMI2) is seeking an Innovation Engineer/DIRT Lab Manager – Fort Knox, KY, to support the US Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory Catalyst Pathfinder program. This position is a full-time position which reports directly to the CMI2 Deputy Pathfinder Program Manager for Design, Research, Innovation and Technology (DIRT) Labs.
The Civil-Military innovation Institute Inc. (CMI2) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that supports United States Department of War (DOW) activities to build a civil-military innovation workforce optimized to advance national security technologies and to align the work of innovators from universities and non-traditional technology companies with the activities of the DOW and public safety communities.
The Pathfinder Program will strategically engage top academic institutions across the nation to team them with Soldiers in small, integrated teams focused on solving technical problems in a highly integrated manner. These projects will yield discoveries & future outcomes, by extracting creativity from warfighters, students & faculty (working together) that have not been exposed to DOW (Army) challenges & problems.
DIRT Labs are rapid prototyping facilities where Soldiers can develop solutions to tactical problems. In support of these prototyping activities, DIRT Lab capabilities include additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, textiles, electronics, computer lab, CNC, and woodworking.
Essential Position Functions
- Guide and coach Soldiers and partners in prototyping, design thinking, innovation, and research projects using makerspace tools and technologies
- Oversee prototyping and solution development conducted by partner universities and commercial R&D incubators within the assigned area of responsibility
- Manage equipment scheduling, maintenance, and reservations, as well as classroom and workspace availability
- Develop, implement, and enforce safety protocols for makerspace equipment, including laser cutters, flatbed printers, woodworking tools, 3D printers and scanners, and electronics stations
- Partner with Soldiers at Fort Knox to design and deliver workshops and training sessions for Soldiers, partners, and stakeholders, with a focus on both technical skills and social-emotional development
Minimum Qualifications
- 3 to 5 years of experience in STEM or maker education required
- 3 or more years of experience in applied R&D preferred
- Proven ability to manage projects and lead teams
- Entrepreneurial mindset with willingness to take calculated risks and test new ideas
- Experience managing shared workspaces and using digital fabrication technologies
- Ability to quickly learn new tools, including fabrication equipment and design software
- Experience in teaching or mentorship
- Collaborative and creative approach to problem solving
- Self-starter who can work independently and adapt in fast-paced environments
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Understanding of and commitment to the Pathfinder Program mission
- Alignment with core values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Ability to operate effectively in a highly matrixed organization
US Citizenship required.
Location
Fort Knox, KY
