Microelectronics Education Subject Matter Expert

Microelectronics Education Subject Matter Expert

Location: USA, Remote

Duration: Contract-based; project timeline to be determined

Background: The Scalable Asymmetric Lifecycle Engagement (SCALE) program, funded by the Department of War and led by Purdue University, is a national workforce development consortium designed to address the critical shortage of personnel skilled in microelectronics, a field vital to U.S. national defense and security. SCALE employs a public-private-academic partnership (PPAP) model to align curriculum standards, industry engagement, and government priorities. The program supports a full ecosystem, from K–12 through Ph.D. and continuing education. As of September 2025, SCALE includes 33 participating universities and has served over 1,300 students at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, in addition to the more than 35,000 students (K-16) reached with microelectronics-related curriculum. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is procuring an external evaluation that will provide a third-party, unbiased assessment of program outcomes and impacts, complementing SCALE's internal evaluation efforts. The evaluation will address the SCALE's program impact on workforce development, educational and professional development outcomes, recruitment and retention, and program effectiveness and replicability.

Position Description

SI is seeking a part-time Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the SCALE Evaluation. The SME will be responsible for supporting the design of evaluation with key subject matter expertise on workforce development and microelectronics, and supporting evaluation activities such as data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise on workforce development within the microelectronics sector to inform the evaluation design and analytical approaches.
• Advise on the use of appropriate secondary datasets
• Analyze recruitment and retention strategies, focusing on U.S. citizen participation in microelectronics careers
• Compare SCALE's effectiveness with non-SCALE institutions in terms of student outcomes and workforce readiness
• Provide recommendations for program improvements and replicability in other defense-critical STEM fields

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in the field of Education, Engineering, Microelectronics, or related field

• Excellent oral communication and report writing skills in English.

• Familiarity with microelectronics instruction and its relevant applications to national defense

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with the Department of War and/or Department of Labor

• Proven experience in evaluating educational programs, specifically in STEM or workforce development

• Experience working with K-12 education systems, higher education, and industry partnerships is a plus

• Experience in conducting assessments for federal programs or initiatives

• Published research in microelectronics or STEM education

• Familiarity with public-private-academic partnerships

This will be a part-time consultancy based remotely for the duration of the contract, contingent upon contract award.

Please submit your CV in English for best consideration of your candidacy. CVs must not exceed a maximum of 5 pages.

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.