Program Manager, NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York

The NSF Energy Storage Engine is focused on building a robust energy storage innovation ecosystem across Upstate New York. The Program Manager plays a central role in developing programs and partnerships that help transform breakthrough research into market-ready solutions.

The Program Manager advances the Translation function of the Engine by designing and executing commercialization programs that accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation energy storage technologies. The role supports startups and emerging companies as they progress from early-stage technology development (~TRL 3) toward commercial deployment (~TRL 7) by addressing barriers related to scale-up, customer validation, partnerships, investment readiness, and market adoption. The Program Manager also is responsible for other management-level cross-Engine duties assigned by Engine leadership.

Working collaboratively with Engine leadership, academic partners, industry stakeholders, investors, and entrepreneurs, the Program Manager manages commercialization initiatives including grant programs, startup support activities, industry engagement efforts, and ecosystem-building events. The role requires a combination of strategic program design, operational execution, stakeholder engagement, and commercialization support.

This is a fixed-term position with an expected appointment period of 12 months that may be renewable based on available funding and satisfactory performance.

Position duties include:

• Designing, launching, and managing programs that accelerate commercialization of technologies, including grant programs, technical assistance initiatives, and market validation

• Working directly with startups, entrepreneurs, and technology developers to understand challenges and connect them with resources, partners, and opportunities

• Planning and executing ecosystem-building activities, such as investor events, technical workshops, facility tours, and showcases

• Tracking program outcomes and impact metrics for reporting and decision-making

As part of the Cornell community, you will help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. Your letter is an important component of your application.
Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience in program management, project management, startup support, economic development, commercialization or innovation programs; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

• Experience managing complex projects or programs with multiple stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables

• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple initiatives, and proactively identify solutions

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build relationships with startups, industry partners, academic institutions, and external stakeholders

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, presentations, and program materials

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage budgets, schedules, documentation, and reporting requirements

• Ability to think strategically while also managing day-to-day operational execution

• Experience developing processes, improving workflows, and implementing scalable program operations

• Interest in energy storage, climate technology, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, or innovation ecosystems

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Additionally, although not required, please indicate if you could bring any of the following:

• Experience managing grant programs, federally funded programs, or university-industry partnerships

• Experience with tools, such as Airtable, Salesforce, Excel, project management platforms, event management systems, or similar tools

• Knowledge of energy storage technologies or emerging technology commercialization pathways

About Us

The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York is a Regional Innovation Engine funded by the National Science Foundation. We bring together industry, universities, startups, workforce partners, and community organizations to accelerate the development, validation, and deployment of advanced battery technologies.

The Engine's work is organized around four interconnected research and innovation focus areas:

• Safety: Advancing testing methods and technologies that improve the safety, reliability, and real-world performance of energy storage systems

• Advanced Manufacturing: Improving cost, efficiency, and resource use in next-generation battery production, including dry processing and critical materials reduction

• Power Engineering: Strengthening system integration and power electronics capabilities to enable high-performance, grid-ready energy storage solutions

• Artificial Intelligence: Applying AI to accelerate materials discovery, optimize battery design, and improve manufacturing performance across the innovation lifecycle

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with weekly work on campus expected. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

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