Product Manager

Job Category: Fulltime Regular
Exempt Overtime Eligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Brinson Exploration Hub is an implementation-focused innovative initiative created through the collaboration of Caltech and JPL. The Brinson Hub seeks to bridge academia, industry, government, and other stakeholders to drive scientific exploration and technological development for the benefit of science and society. The Product Manager will be responsible for building and managing strategic partnerships, designing and implementing programs and stakeholder engagement tools, and supporting operational needs of the Hub. Key responsibilities include facilitating multi-institutional working groups, aligning research teams with external partners, shaping narratives that communicate scientific value, and designing tools to guide early-stage project formulation and development. The ideal candidate brings strong cross-functional leadership, excellent communication skills, and a background in science or technology. Experience in innovation ecosystems, especially at the intersection of research and applied development, is preferred.

Essential Job Duties

Partnership Development

• Facilitate partnership development efforts for the Hub.
• Work directly with project teams to align scientific, technical, and research goals with external partners, potential collaborators, and key stakeholders.
• Craft compelling science and technology narratives that communicate the value of Hub projects.
• Develop clear value propositions to engage partners.
• Facilitate the Partnerships Working Group, including working with the Hub Director to build the charter, strategic direction, and focus of the group and eventual council.
• Facilitate strategic alignment with JPL.
• Serve as a liaison for the Brinson Exploration Hub and coordinate with Caltech Foundation Relations, Advancement, the Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships, and JPL leadership. Ensure effective communication, transparency, and alignment.
• Provide strategic leadership for partnership meetings, including agenda setting and preparation.
• Proactively track emerging trends, potential collaborators, and funding opportunities in the broader space ecosystem, including commercial space, government, and academia.
• Help research teams productize applied research and identify high-potential use cases grounded in partner/customer needs.
• Represent the Brinson Exploration Hub at conferences and relevant events.

Program Design & Strategy

• Design and implement structured research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability tests) to understand user and stakeholder needs, including those of scientists, engineers, industry partners, and funders. Use those insights to:
  • Build stronger, more aligned relationships with partners.
  • Shape programs, tools, and collaborations.
• Support Hub-led project calls from development to submission intake, tracking, reporting, and communications.
• Design and facilitate key workshops (e.g., science traceability matrix, feasibility, and formulation sessions).
• Identify unique opportunities to drive engagement at various stages of the project lifecycle.
• Oversee development of strategic communication assets that support project success.

Hub Leadership & Operations

• Support day-to-day operations of the Hub, including logistics, planning, and coordination.
• Contribute to the successful development and delivery of Hub-supported projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 7 years of professional experience in a STEM-related field.
• Proven ability to lead and manage complex, cross-functional projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly articulate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, startup-like environment with evolving priorities and a flat organizational structure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree or advanced certification in a relevant field.
• Experience working at the intersection of science, technology, and strategy.
• Background in partnerships, communications, or product management.
• Experience in communications related to science and technology is a plus.
• Familiarity with JPL/Caltech research and/or space innovation ecosystems.
• Experience managing freelancers and content production.
• Enjoys ambiguity, creativity, and early-stage innovation.

Required Documents

• CV
• Cover Letter

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://hr.caltech.edu/work/job_openings

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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