Job Title: Translation Science & Technology Director
Reports To: Textile Engine CEO
Engine Pillar: Translation
Location: Hybrid
Job Type: FLSA Exempt, Salaried, Full-Time
The NSF Textile Innovation Engine of NC is an NSF-funded program of The Industrial Commons (TIC).
The NSF Engines program supports the creation of region-scale, technology-driven innovation ecosystems in
the US. With a focus on building regional coalitions of partner organizations, NSF Engines accelerate the
development of emerging technologies, drive economic growth, address key societal challenges, maintain
national competitiveness, and strengthen national security. The NSF funds Engines to carry out an integrated
and comprehensive set of activities spanning use-inspired research, translation to practice, entrepreneurship,
and workforce development to nurture and accelerate regional industries. The NSF Engines program has
four strategic pillars to uphold: building American wealth, transforming nascent regional innovation
ecosystems into market leaders, ensuring national leadership in key industries, and advancing technologies
relevant to national competitiveness, with particular interest in regions of service that have not fully
participated in the technology boom of the past several decades.
About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton,
NC with reach across the state and region. Our mission is to found and grow interconnected enterprises that
solve problems for businesses and workers, while rebuilding a diverse working class, based on locally rooted
wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers in building an
economy for all.
TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard
to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Job Overview: The Engine Translation Science & Technology Director leads the evaluation of the
underlying science and technology of the translation projects for the Engine. This role is responsible for the
translation strategy, project and resource planning, project tracking, and reporting to achieve the strategic
goals of both the Engine and the translation objective. The Translation Science & Technology Director is a
key strategic leader in the Engine organization and works collaboratively with the internal Engine pillars, the
Concept to Commercialization testbed network, the Engine Advisory Board, the industry network and plays a
supporting role in the Consortium supply-demand network. The Translation Science & Technology Director
plays a contributing role in the scoping and evaluation of R&D RFP projects. They also play a critical
evaluation role in the decision-making process for funded equipment investments and entrepreneurial
support.
Essential Functions
? Lead the evaluation and advancement of science and technology initiatives that support the Textile
Innovation Engine's translation objectives and strategic priorities.
? Develop and execute technology translation strategies that accelerate the commercialization and
market adoption of innovative materials, products, and manufacturing solutions.
? Evaluate scientific, technical, and commercialization opportunities to identify initiatives with the
greatest potential for industry impact, market relevance, and economic development.
? Lead the assessment and validation of scientific and technical proposals, including recommendations
related to research investments, technology development, equipment acquisition, and strategic
initiatives.
? Collaborate with industry partners, research institutions, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts to
identify emerging technologies, innovation opportunities, and commercialization pathways.
? Provide leadership for science and technology translation projects, ensuring effective project planning,
resource allocation, implementation, and performance tracking.
? Coordinate activities across the Concept-to-Commercialization Testbed Network to support project
execution, knowledge sharing, resource utilization, and continuous improvement.
? Develop and maintain systems, processes, and tools that support project intake, evaluation, tracking,
reporting, and resource planning.
? Support the development of industry standards, classifications, performance metrics, and best
practices for emerging materials and technologies as needed.
? Contribute to the evaluation and scoping of research and development projects, funding opportunities,
entrepreneurial support initiatives, and strategic investments.
? Monitor scientific advancements, market trends, industry needs, and technology developments to
inform strategic planning and investment decisions.
? Foster collaboration among Engine leadership, advisory board members, research organizations,
industry partners, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem stakeholders.
? Collect, analyze, and communicate project, technical, and market data to support decision-making,
performance evaluation, and continuous improvement.
? Develop strategies that support commercialization, technology adoption, entrepreneur success, and
the long-term sustainability of Engine initiatives.
? Represent the Textile Innovation Engine at industry meetings, conferences, research collaborations,
stakeholder engagements, and public forums.
? Lead the work for Techno-Economic project analysis at the macro level and follow through with project
and material cost as a key component to achieve overall program goals.
? Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational priorities.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
? Master's degree in Textile Science, Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Data Science, or a
related scientific discipline required; Ph.D. preferred.
? 15+ years of experience in textile science, technology development, research and development,
materials innovation, manufacturing, or related industries.
? Advanced knowledge of textile materials, fiber technologies, manufacturing processes, and
commercialization pathways.
? Experience evaluating scientific and technical proposals, emerging technologies, research initiatives,
and capital investments with consideration for technical feasibility, market readiness, and
commercialization potential.
? Strong understanding of textile supply chains and experience applying data science, artificial
intelligence, or advanced analytics to support product development, manufacturing, and supply chain
optimization.
? Strong project management skills with experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives
involving multiple stakeholders.
? Experience leading or coordinating staff, consultants, contractors, researchers, or project teams.
? Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
? Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
? Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with researchers, industry leaders,
entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and strategic partners.
? Proficiency with project management platforms, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
? Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
? Ability to move throughout office, meeting, and work environments to access equipment, materials,
and communicate with others.
? Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
? Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
? Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic
formats.
? Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication
platforms.
Salary and Benefits
? Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $90,000-$150,000 commensurate with
experience and based on 40 hours per week.
? Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to with the subject line
“Translation Science & Technology Director”
Reports To: Textile Engine CEO
Engine Pillar: Translation
Location: Hybrid
Job Type: FLSA Exempt, Salaried, Full-Time
The NSF Textile Innovation Engine of NC is an NSF-funded program of The Industrial Commons (TIC).
The NSF Engines program supports the creation of region-scale, technology-driven innovation ecosystems in
the US. With a focus on building regional coalitions of partner organizations, NSF Engines accelerate the
development of emerging technologies, drive economic growth, address key societal challenges, maintain
national competitiveness, and strengthen national security. The NSF funds Engines to carry out an integrated
and comprehensive set of activities spanning use-inspired research, translation to practice, entrepreneurship,
and workforce development to nurture and accelerate regional industries. The NSF Engines program has
four strategic pillars to uphold: building American wealth, transforming nascent regional innovation
ecosystems into market leaders, ensuring national leadership in key industries, and advancing technologies
relevant to national competitiveness, with particular interest in regions of service that have not fully
participated in the technology boom of the past several decades.
About The Industrial Commons: The Industrial Commons is an economic ecosystem located in Morganton,
NC with reach across the state and region. Our mission is to found and grow interconnected enterprises that
solve problems for businesses and workers, while rebuilding a diverse working class, based on locally rooted
wealth. We address the root causes of generational poverty by supporting frontline workers in building an
economy for all.
TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard
to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Job Overview: The Engine Translation Science & Technology Director leads the evaluation of the
underlying science and technology of the translation projects for the Engine. This role is responsible for the
translation strategy, project and resource planning, project tracking, and reporting to achieve the strategic
goals of both the Engine and the translation objective. The Translation Science & Technology Director is a
key strategic leader in the Engine organization and works collaboratively with the internal Engine pillars, the
Concept to Commercialization testbed network, the Engine Advisory Board, the industry network and plays a
supporting role in the Consortium supply-demand network. The Translation Science & Technology Director
plays a contributing role in the scoping and evaluation of R&D RFP projects. They also play a critical
evaluation role in the decision-making process for funded equipment investments and entrepreneurial
support.
Essential Functions
? Lead the evaluation and advancement of science and technology initiatives that support the Textile
Innovation Engine's translation objectives and strategic priorities.
? Develop and execute technology translation strategies that accelerate the commercialization and
market adoption of innovative materials, products, and manufacturing solutions.
? Evaluate scientific, technical, and commercialization opportunities to identify initiatives with the
greatest potential for industry impact, market relevance, and economic development.
? Lead the assessment and validation of scientific and technical proposals, including recommendations
related to research investments, technology development, equipment acquisition, and strategic
initiatives.
? Collaborate with industry partners, research institutions, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts to
identify emerging technologies, innovation opportunities, and commercialization pathways.
? Provide leadership for science and technology translation projects, ensuring effective project planning,
resource allocation, implementation, and performance tracking.
? Coordinate activities across the Concept-to-Commercialization Testbed Network to support project
execution, knowledge sharing, resource utilization, and continuous improvement.
? Develop and maintain systems, processes, and tools that support project intake, evaluation, tracking,
reporting, and resource planning.
? Support the development of industry standards, classifications, performance metrics, and best
practices for emerging materials and technologies as needed.
? Contribute to the evaluation and scoping of research and development projects, funding opportunities,
entrepreneurial support initiatives, and strategic investments.
? Monitor scientific advancements, market trends, industry needs, and technology developments to
inform strategic planning and investment decisions.
? Foster collaboration among Engine leadership, advisory board members, research organizations,
industry partners, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem stakeholders.
? Collect, analyze, and communicate project, technical, and market data to support decision-making,
performance evaluation, and continuous improvement.
? Develop strategies that support commercialization, technology adoption, entrepreneur success, and
the long-term sustainability of Engine initiatives.
? Represent the Textile Innovation Engine at industry meetings, conferences, research collaborations,
stakeholder engagements, and public forums.
? Lead the work for Techno-Economic project analysis at the macro level and follow through with project
and material cost as a key component to achieve overall program goals.
? Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational priorities.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
? Master's degree in Textile Science, Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Data Science, or a
related scientific discipline required; Ph.D. preferred.
? 15+ years of experience in textile science, technology development, research and development,
materials innovation, manufacturing, or related industries.
? Advanced knowledge of textile materials, fiber technologies, manufacturing processes, and
commercialization pathways.
? Experience evaluating scientific and technical proposals, emerging technologies, research initiatives,
and capital investments with consideration for technical feasibility, market readiness, and
commercialization potential.
? Strong understanding of textile supply chains and experience applying data science, artificial
intelligence, or advanced analytics to support product development, manufacturing, and supply chain
optimization.
? Strong project management skills with experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives
involving multiple stakeholders.
? Experience leading or coordinating staff, consultants, contractors, researchers, or project teams.
? Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
? Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
? Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with researchers, industry leaders,
entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and strategic partners.
? Proficiency with project management platforms, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
? Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
? Ability to move throughout office, meeting, and work environments to access equipment, materials,
and communicate with others.
? Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
? Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed to support business operations.
? Ability to perceive, process, and communicate information presented in written, verbal, and electronic
formats.
? Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual communication
platforms.
Salary and Benefits
? Salary: Competitive, with an anticipated annual salary range of $90,000-$150,000 commensurate with
experience and based on 40 hours per week.
? Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to with the subject line
“Translation Science & Technology Director”
Translation Science & Technology Director in morganton at Unknown Company
This position is listed as contract and hybrid.