Technical Research & Industry Development Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and technically versatile professional to support the development of industry-focused research initiatives and strategic partnerships. This role works closely with the CIEST Laboratory Director to identify emerging opportunities, develop project concepts, engage with industry stakeholders, and prepare compelling research proposals that lead to externally funded collaborative projects.

The ideal candidate combines broad technical knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines with strong proposal writing, business development awareness, and the persistence needed to develop projects from early concepts through funding and execution. This position offers 50% FTE (part‑time) with the possibility of full‑time conversion as projects advance.

The Technical Research & Industry Proposal Development Lead will initiate and shape new research projects by identifying industrial needs, aligning them with laboratory capabilities, and developing strategic project concepts for academic‑industry collaborations.

• Work closely with the Laboratory Director to identify emerging research and commercialization opportunities
• Develop one-page technical concept summaries and project pitches for industry engagement
• Research industrial market needs, technology gaps, and funding opportunities
• Identify potential academic‑industry collaboration opportunities across multiple sectors

• Lead preparation of technical research proposals for industry‑sponsored projects
• Develop technical narratives, statements of work, research objectives and deliverables
• Develop project frames (schedules, milestones, budgets, and documents)
• Coordinate proposal development among faculty, researchers, technical staff, and external partners
• Align laboratory capabilities with evolving industry priorities
• Translate broad technical concepts into clear and compelling project plans
• Maintain strong awareness of contemporary and emerging technologies and potential markets leading to commercialization

• Engage professionally with faculty, researchers, industry representatives, and technical teams
• Facilitate technical discussions and collaborative planning meetings
• Communicate complex engineering concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Support long‑term partnership development and relationship management

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering fosters an environment of inclusivity and celebrates the increasing diversity of our student body. We provide education to cultivate leaders in the professional practice of engineering, contributing to technological advances that benefit humankind while enhancing the earth’s physical and biological resources.

Salary range: $50,000 to $55,000 per year. Relocation assistance will not be available.

We offer medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an eco‑pass for local transit. Additional perks and programs are available through the CU Advantage program.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Science, Technology, or related technical field required
• Minimum 3 years of experience in technical proposal development, research program development for academia or industry, or engineering project development or technical business development
• Demonstrated track record of developing proposals that resulted in funded or implemented projects
• Strong technical writing and proposal preparation skills
• Broad technical literacy across multiple engineering and technology domains
• Strong interpersonal communication and relationship‑building skills

• Advanced…