Technical Program Manager, Catalysis

About SandboxAQ SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors. We are a global team that is tech-focused and includes experts in AI, chemistry, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and other specialties. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors and supported by a braintrust of industry leaders. At SandboxAQ, we’ve cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and impact. By investing deeply in our people, we’re building a thriving, global workforce poised to tackle the world's epic challenges. Join us to advance your career in pursuit of an inspiring mission, in a community of like-minded people who value entrepreneurialism, ownership, and transformative impact. The Opportunity Introduction to the team: The Catalysis team develops and validates new catalyst technologies for complex industrial applications, with a focus on high-purity chemical production, emissions treatment, and advanced sensing. The team brings together computational modeling, machine learning, experimental validation, and cross-functional collaboration to accelerate how promising catalyst concepts move from discovery to real-world use. Introduction to the role: We are seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead the execution of our catalysis validation programs from planning through delivery. In this role, you will drive the operating cadence for experimental campaigns, coordinate work across computational scientists, data and machine learning teams, and external laboratory partners, and build the processes and metrics that help translate promising technical results into validated industrial outcomes. You will also serve as a key operational partner to senior scientific leadership, enabling the team to move quickly, stay aligned, and scale execution effectively. Key Responsibilities Own the catalysis validation program plan end-to-end: campaign sequencing, partner SOWs, sample logistics, data ingestion timelines, and milestone tracking against vertical and customer commitments. Manage external validation partners (high-throughput experimentation labs, abatement OEMs, sensor manufacturers, precursor suppliers, and equipment OEMs) including contracting cadence, deliverable acceptance, and renew/expand/exit recommendations. Coordinate internal hand-offs across Research Scientists, Computational/ML Scientists, Data Generation, and Platform Engineering to ensure validation results are captured, retrained into LQMs, and reflected in the next campaign cycle. Operationalize the design-test-make-deploy pipeline for this vertical, including data governance, provenance, and reproducibility standards aligned to reporting expectations. Drive risk, schedule, and resource trade-offs with the Vertical Lead and Product, escalating crisply to AISim leadership when decisions are needed. Essential Skills & Experience 8+ years managing applied R&D or scientific validation programs, ideally at the intersection of computational and experimental workflows. Hands-on experience coordinating multi-party experimental validation campaigns (industrial labs, university partners, OEM testbeds), including SOW negotiation and sample/data logistics. Technical fluency in catalysis, materials science, or chemical engineering sufficient to challenge experimental plans and interpret high-level results. Track record of running compliance-grade reporting cadences (government, regulated industry, or large enterprise customer) and translating technical results into executive and external narratives. Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field; advanced degree strongly preferred. Because this position supports specific U.S. Government contractual requirements, we can only consider US Persons (Permanent Residents or Citizens) at this time. Highly Desired Skills & Experience Direct experience with heterogeneous catalysis programs, ALD/CVD precursor development, or semiconductor exhaust-gas abatement. Familiarity with machine-learned force fields, DFT-derived datasets, or other modern computational catalysis workflows. Experience operating against U.S. Government program requirements (CHIPS Act, DOE, DOD, or similar). Experience scaling validation infrastructure from project-specific engagements to repeatable platform workflows. Why Join Us? We offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth. Compensation: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus equity and performance-based incentives. Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; generous parental leave. Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements, generous PTO, and a culture that respects focus time and recovery. Career Development: Direct exposure to CHIPS Act-funded programs, senior scientific and executive leadership, mentorship, and dedicated learning budgets to support continued growth. SandboxAQ Welcomes All We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect, where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Our multidisciplinary environment provides ample opportunity for continuous growth - working alongside humble, empowered, and ambitious colleagues ready to tackle epic challenges. Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know. Read: Guidance for candidates on using AI Tools in interviews