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R&D Program Manager

Full Time · Leadership · On-Site· USD 175000 - 210000 / year

Menlo Park, California, United States

About Aether

Aether Biomachines is building the future of protein engineering with AI. Our proprietary Protein Function Model, Aetheron, unlocks entirely new classes of proteins that power breakthrough applications - from recycling plastics and breaking down “forever chemicals” to creating next-generation materials that 3D print faster and stronger than anything on the market. With real-world impact across aerospace, defense, clean energy, and beyond, Aether is where cutting-edge science meets world-changing opportunity.

MIssion

We’re seeking an R&D Program Manager with a strong technical background in materials science (or related fields) who can make sure the trains run on time. You’ll work across 3-5 active projects, ensuring milestones are clear, teams are aligned, and nothing slips through the cracks.

This is not a purely administrative role - you’ll need enough scientific literacy to understand technical conversations, ask the right questions, and help the team prioritize effectively. You’ll be the connective tissue between scientists, leadership, and operations, ensuring our R&D efforts stay fast, thoughtful, on time, and well-executed.

What You’ll Do

  • Own project tracking for 3-5 active R&D initiatives in materials science/engineering.

  • Drive clarity on goals, milestones, and deliverables across cross-functional teams.

  • Anticipate bottlenecks, manage dependencies, and escalate when needed.

  • Facilitate regular check-ins, project reviews, and milestone updates.

  • Translate complex technical updates into clear status reports for leadership.

  • Help build lightweight processes and tools for project tracking that scale as the team grows.

  • Communicate status and next steps on a continuous basis throughout all levels of the organization

What Success Looks Like (First 6 Months)

  • All active projects have clear milestones and owners.

  • Regular project check-ins run smoothly, and outcomes are captured.

  • No major deadlines or dependencies slip through unnoticed.

  • Scientists feel supported (not micromanaged), and leadership has visibility into progress.

 Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred but not required).

  • Strong scientific literacy - able to follow technical discussions and spot dependencies.

  • 2+ years experience managing scientific/technical projects (lab, industry, or startup).

  • Excellent organizational skills: able to juggle multiple projects with competing priorities.

  • Strong communicator, able to translate between scientists and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Comfortable in a scrappy startup environment - you build lightweight processes, not bureaucracy.

Note

Aether Biomachines is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.

The pay range for this role is $175,000 - $210,000 per year + equity, with final compensation based on skills and experience. Employment at Aether is at-will, and reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. At this time, Aether is not sponsoring visas for this position.

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