Technology Programme Lead

Element Six, part of De Beers Group, is a global leader in the design, development and production of synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials.

With research and development facilities and manufacturing sites in the UK, Ireland, Germany, South Africa and the US, we have been pushing the boundaries of synthetic diamond innovation for more than 60 years. We utilise the extreme properties of synthetic diamond to open up new possibilities in exciting areas such as quantum optics, acoustics and thermal conductivity.  

Our success comes from building strong, collaborative relationships, both internally in our extraordinary teams, and externally with our customers. We strive to deliver extreme performance and we seek talented, ambitious people who will thrive in an environment that fosters individuality, inclusivity, innovation and creativity.

We offer an exciting and varied career, with opportunities to work in various locations and teams, and across different functions and projects.

If you like the idea of an exciting variety of work in a diverse global team, then we want you to get in touch.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Element Six’s Innovation function for a Technology Programme Lead responsible for driving downstream innovation at Element Six by aligning solutions development with business strategy. This role combines deep expertise in advanced materials and emerging technologies with strong external collaboration, program leadership, and business acumen. This role is pivotal in redefining how technological advancements are applied to drive innovation and sustainable business growth across the diamond industry and adjacent sectors.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on scientist or engineer with deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of optical and thermal applications. They will play a key role in identifying and appraising disruptive technologies, with a strong focus on end-user requirements, system integration, and the commercial viability of new solutions.

The ideal candidate will be based on the US West Coast and is expected to work from an Element Six site at least three days per week, with regular domestic and international travel to engage with customers and partners.

Beyond technical excellence, the role demands strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for engineering and innovation in a team-oriented environment.

Duties and tasks

• Technical Strategy: Define and execute a technical plan that aligns with the E6 Solutions strategy to move downstream in the value chain.
• Technology Scouting and Evaluation: Conduct technical assessments of existing combined with emerging technologies and application spaces, to advance solution opportunities to identify technical and synergistic partnerships.
• External collaboration leadership: Build and lead technical collaborations with government agencies, research institutions, and industrial partners to secure funding and partnerships for advanced technology programs.
• Business Development Support: Work closely with Business Development and Commercial teams to translate technical insights into solution strategies, application concepts, and market-ready offerings.
• Program Implementation: Oversee technical implementation of externally funded and internal strategic programs, ensuring they deliver actionable insights and pathways to commercial value.
• IP and Competitive Landscaping: Analyze the intellectual property landscape and competitor strategies to inform Element Six’s downstream positioning and technology differentiation.
• Technical Advocacy and Communication: Represent Element Six’s technical capabilities externally through conferences, tradeshows, presentations, proposals, and strategic engagements with customers, partners, and funding agencies.

Essential Experience

• 10+ years of experience in advanced materials development, applications engineering, technology program management, or business-oriented innovation roles.
• Experience collaborating with or leading externally funded R&D programs, particularly involving new application development or solution creation.
• Prior leadership of research collaborations with government agencies, universities, or innovation consortia.
• Proven ability to identify and develop technology-based business opportunities, preferably moving upstream or downstream within a value chain.
• Strong business acumen — able to connect technical opportunities with commercial potential and market needs.
• Strong technical foundation in materials science, applied physics, engineering innovation, or related fields.
• Exceptional communication skills — able to engage both technical experts and senior commercial stakeholders.
• Highly organized and capable of managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) in Materials Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline is highly preferred especially if combined with experience in materials science, semiconductor technologies, or advanced systems engineering

Desired Experience

• Experience in the development, integration, or commercialization of semiconductor technologies (e.g., power electronics, RF devices, thermal management, packaging)
• Exposure to emerging high-performance technology fields such as quantum sensing systems, hypersonics, or next-generation semiconductor applications
• Background in synthetic diamond materials or applications is highly desirable.
• Strong background in IP strategy development, competitive technical landscaping, and market positioning through innovation.

Right to work

All applicants must be able to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this role.

Note

Due to the nature of this role’s engagement with U.S. government programs and controlled technologies, candidates must meet applicable eligibility requirements under U.S. export control laws. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency may be required.