Manager, Digital Manufacturing

Job Details

Location:

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - Danville, VA 24540

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary: $ - $ / year

Travel:
Up to 25%

Job Shift: Day

Job Category:
Manufacturing

Due to the nature of the work environment, candidates must be a US person as defined by US export control regulations and eligible to access controlled unclassified information (CUI).

• Annual Salary of $106,200 - $113,900
• Retirement benefits are provided through the Virginia Retirement System with employer match.
• Generous time off is provided, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.
• Paid holidays are provided, including a two week paid winter break.
• Anthem PPO and HSA health plans are offered, with excellent dental options.

Are you passionate about robotics, automation, Industry 4.0, and the future of advanced manufacturing? The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking a strategic and technically skilled Manager, Digital Manufacturing to lead the continued growth and evolution of the Center for Manufacturing Advancement's Industry 4.0 Lab.

In this role, you will serve as a recognized subject matter expert, helping manufacturers, educators, students, workforce partners, and community stakeholders understand and adopt emerging manufacturing technologies. You will combine technical expertise, industry engagement, workforce development, and innovation leadership to advance digital manufacturing across the region and beyond.

• Serve as the primary technical expert in digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, industrial connectivity, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Lead the vision, development, and continuous enhancement of the Industry 4.0 Lab, ensuring demonstrations remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with evolving industry needs.
• Design and deliver hands‑on training, workshops, educational programs, and experiential learning opportunities for manufacturers, educators, workforce partners, and students.
• Develop engaging demonstrations, presentations, tours, and technology showcases for industry leaders, government officials, educators, and other visitors.
• Partner with manufacturers to identify opportunities for automation, modernization, process improvement, and digital transformation.
• Support manufacturing optimization and applied technology projects through technical consultation, evaluation of emerging technologies, and practical implementation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, technology providers, educational institutions, workforce organizations, economic development partners, and government agencies.
• Represent IALR at conferences, technical committees, industry associations, and professional organizations.
• Contribute to grants, contracts, strategic initiatives, and organizational projects by providing technical expertise and stakeholder support.
• Track, analyze, and communicate program outcomes, project metrics, and impact data.
• Manage multiple initiatives while balancing strategic priorities, technical execution, stakeholder engagement, and program deliverables.

• Expand awareness and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies across Virginia and beyond.
• Enhance IALR's position as a leader in digital manufacturing, workforce development, and manufacturing innovation.
• Strengthen industry partnerships and support manufacturers on their journey toward Industry 4.0 implementation.
• Inspire future manufacturing talent through innovative educational experiences and technology demonstrations.
• Ensure the Industry 4.0 Lab remains a premier destination for learning, collaboration, and innovation.

• Strong knowledge of robotics, automation systems, industrial controls, PLCs, industrial networking, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience developing and delivering training, presentations, workshops, and technical demonstrations.
• Understanding…