R&D Portfolio Lead

Divergent is a technology company that has architected, invented, built, and commercialized an end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS™) that comprehensively uses machine learning to optimally engineer, additively manufacture, and flexibly assemble complex integrated vehicle structures and subsystems. Products created using DAPS are superior in performance, lower in cost, rapidly customizable to meet mission and customer-specific requirements, faster to market, and scalable on demand to high volume production. Divergent is a qualified Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, and Divergent is now expanding to support mission critical needs in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us to be a part of this transformative journey, where your impact will shape the future of technology and production. 

Purpose

The R&D Portfolio Lead will be responsible for developing and executing Divergent's DAPS™ technology portfolio, aligning business development strategies with key defense programs and stakeholders. This role involves leading capture campaigns to expand DAPS™ capabilities, working closely with technical teams to synchronize development roadmaps, and contributing to the broader aerospace and defense strategy. The individual will drive business development efforts by identifying and engaging with key defense leaders, including those within the DoD and DIB, and representing Divergent at key industry events. Additionally, the R&D Portfolio Lead will manage the successful delivery of programs, ensuring that customer requirements are met within cost, performance, and schedule constraints while building lasting relationships with key customers and partners.

The Role

1. DAPS Technology Portfolio Development & Execution:
1. Create the business development strategy for a given development portfolio bridging Divergent’s technology offering with key customers, supporting stakeholders, defense programs, and defense appropriations.
2. Lead capture campaigns focused on expanding Divergent’s digital adaptive production system (DAPS™) capabilities
3. Coordinate with capture, contracts, program, and technical stakeholders to ensure the successful development and execution of specific programs within assigned portfolio areas
4. Directly interface with DAPS Technology team to synchronize the technology development roadmap with the capture campaign
5. Contribute to Divergent’s broader Aerospace & Defense strategy, identifying trends, market shifts, and emerging opportunities to inform company direction.
2. DAPS Technology Business Development & Growth:
1. Develop and implement robust go-to-market strategies tailored to the assigned portfolio through the identification of key stakeholders across DoD, DIB, and congressional leaders.
2. Represent Divergent at key conferences and critical events to broaden Divergent’s exposure to critical DoD customers
3. Effectively articulate Divergent’s technology advantages to potential customers and stakeholders, translating technical capabilities into customer-specific value propositions, briefings, and other relevant content
4. Prioritize and pursue opportunities within the DAPS R&D portfolio, leveraging a deep understanding of the DoD acquisition processes and the defense industrial base and a detailed understanding of Divergent’s technology roadmap
5. Identify and win new programs by crafting compelling proposals and leveraging a thorough understanding of customer needs and competitive positioning.
3. Program Management & Execution:
1. For new programs, collaborate across technical teams and customer teams to ensure requirements are clear, sensible, and achievable
2. Coordinate directly program managers to track and push for successful delivery of contracted programs within cost, performance, and schedule constraints
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, business development) to address customer challenges and maintain program excellence.
4. Build and maintain relationships with key defense customers, partners, and influencers

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field (advanced degrees preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in Aerospace & Defense, with a mix of technical engineering, program management, and business development/strategy roles.
• Deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and defense industry dynamics, including key stakeholders and competitive landscapes.
• Proven ability to deliver on complex technical programs and manage relationships with senior-level government and industry officials.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, capable of driving alignment across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in securing new business and executing large-scale programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters in Business Administration or related field is preferred
• Experience in advanced manufacturing, hypersonics, UAVs, or space structures.
• Existing network within the DoD and defense industrial base.
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing, advanced materials, or related disruptive technologies.

Work Environment

• The role requires frequent collaboration across diverse teams, including engineering, program management, business development, and technical stakeholders, both internally and with external defense partners.
• The work environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to adapt to shifting priorities and evolving defense industry needs, while managing complex, high-stakes programs within tight deadlines.