Prototyping Operations and Capture Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Prototyping Operations and Capture Lead

Company: Matrix Research, Inc.

Location: Beavercreek, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Strategy (with a strong technical/R&D focus)

Date Posted: November 02, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Leads and scales Matrix Research's rapid prototyping, fabrication, electronics assembly, and unmanned flight-testing facilities to meet increasing demand.

• Drives business development and revenue growth by expanding external customer engagement, particularly within the DoD, defense-prime, and commercial sectors.

• Manages the full lifecycle of contract capture, from identifying customer needs and technical capabilities to supporting proposal development and securing funded contracts.

• Oversees laboratory operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, profitability, and optimal utilization of resources.

• Provides technical leadership and supervises a team of engineers and technicians within a cutting-edge research and development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title and description focus heavily on technical operations and business development within R&D, the core responsibilities of driving growth, capturing new business, and managing operational efficiency align with the strategic objectives of Revenue Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) functions. This role requires a unique blend of technical understanding, operational management, and strategic sales/capture acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive growth strategies for Matrix Research's rapid prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical integration capabilities.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across DoD, government, and commercial client organizations, acting as a primary point of contact for capabilities and opportunities.

• Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities, translating technical strengths into compelling value propositions for potential clients.

• Lead and actively participate in capture and proposal development efforts, ensuring alignment between customer requirements, Matrix's capabilities, and winning bid strategies.

• Drive increased external utilization and revenue generation from the company's fabrication, electronics assembly, and flight-testing facilities.

• Supervise and mentor a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including facility safety protocols, equipment calibration and maintenance schedules, and capital equipment planning.

• Implement and manage systems for tracking laboratory utilization, budgeting, and managing facility hourly labor and service rates to ensure profitability.

• Represent Matrix Research's technical capabilities and offerings effectively at industry events, customer meetings, and through various communication channels.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with research and development teams to ensure seamless integration of prototyping and fabrication services with broader company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "capturing new contract opportunities," "developing new business relationships," and "generating revenue through engineering, manufacturing, prototyping, testing, or technical service offerings" indicates a strong GTM and business development component, directly impacting revenue. The operational management of facilities and teams is crucial for supporting this revenue generation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

• Equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and industry certifications will also be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience encompassing engineering, manufacturing, advanced prototyping operations, and strategic business development.

• Proven track record of success in winning new business, cultivating robust customer relationships, leading technical capture initiatives, or generating significant revenue through technical services.

• Demonstrated ability to identify complex customer needs and effectively translate technical capabilities into funded contracts, task orders, or strategic partnerships.

• Hands-on background and deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and rapid prototyping techniques.

• Experience managing the operational aspects of a laboratory, prototyping facility, or similar technical service environment.

• Familiarity with key operational metrics such as laboratory utilization tracking, budgeting, and the management of facility hourly rates.

• Proven leadership capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to effectively supervise, mentor, and develop technical teams. Required Skills:

• Business Development & Capture: Expertise in identifying opportunities, building customer relationships, and leading capture strategies within the defense and technology sectors.

• Technical Operations Management: Proficiency in managing fabrication, electronics assembly, and flight-testing facilities, including safety, utilization, and resource allocation.

• Mechanical Engineering & Prototyping: Strong hands-on understanding of mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and rapid prototyping technologies.

• Leadership & Team Supervision: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage technical teams effectively.

• Financial Acumen: Experience with budgeting, utilization tracking, and rate management for technical facilities.

• Contract Acquisition Support: Ability to contribute to proposal development and secure funded contracts.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts and business strategies to diverse audiences.

• U.S. Citizenship & Security Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with unmanned flight-testing operations and regulations.

• Knowledge of radar systems, radio frequency, and sensor exploitation technologies.

• Familiarity with government contracting processes (e.g., FAR, DFARS).

• Experience with advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining).

• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles for process optimization.

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of combined experience across engineering, manufacturing, and business development highlights the senior nature of this role. The emphasis on winning new business and managing P&L aspects of the facility operations suggests a strategic business acumen requirement beyond traditional technical leadership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Capture Strategy Case Studies: Examples of successful new business acquisition efforts, detailing market analysis, customer engagement, capability alignment, and proposal strategy that led to contract wins.

• Operational Improvement Projects: Documented initiatives focused on enhancing laboratory efficiency, safety, utilization, or profitability, showcasing before-and-after metrics and implemented solutions.

• Facility Management Plans: Outlines or examples of capital planning, equipment utilization tracking systems, and safety protocol development for technical facilities.

• Customer Relationship Management: Evidence of building and maintaining strong client relationships, potentially through account growth examples or testimonials.

• Technical Capability Demonstrations: Showcase projects where prototyping, fabrication, or assembly capabilities were critical to project success and customer satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Business Development Process: Documented steps for opportunity identification, qualification, pursuit, and capture, including stakeholder engagement and go/no-go decision frameworks.

• Operational Workflow Design: Examples of how you've designed or optimized workflows for fabrication, assembly, or testing processes to improve throughput, quality, and safety.

• Performance Measurement Frameworks: Methodologies for tracking key operational metrics (e.g., utilization rates, turnaround times, cost per unit) and reporting on facility performance.

• Safety and Compliance Procedures: Examples of developed or implemented safety protocols and compliance procedures for laboratory or manufacturing environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role blending technical operations and business capture, a portfolio should demonstrate not only technical execution but also strategic thinking in business growth, process optimization, and team leadership. Quantifiable results are paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $140,000 - $190,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level engineering management and business development roles with P&L responsibility in the aerospace and defense sector in the Dayton, Ohio region. Factors considered include the 10+ years of experience required, the leadership scope, the dual focus on technical operations and new business capture, and the specific industry demands for DoD-related work. This range is competitive for a role requiring such a specialized skill set and leadership capacity.

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): A significant 20% non-contributory retirement plan, reflecting the company's employee-owned structure.

• Paid Time Off: Accrual of 4 weeks of vacation annually, providing ample opportunity for rest and personal time.

• Health & Dental Insurance: Substantially subsidized health and dental insurance plans, reducing out-of-pocket costs for employees.

• Discretionary Annual Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on company and individual performance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Details on medical plan coverage, deductibles, and provider networks would be available during the interview process.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard benefits often include life insurance and long-term/short-term disability coverage.

• Professional Development Support: Opportunities for training, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• The role is described as a "hybrid remote work environment," suggesting a balance between on-site presence for laboratory oversight and customer engagement, and remote work flexibility for strategic planning and administrative tasks. Specific on-site requirements will be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a 20% "no-match-required retirement plan" is a significant benefit, indicating a strong ESOP. The salary range is estimated due to the absence of explicit figures in the job description, drawing on regional market data for similar senior roles in the defense/engineering sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Research & Development, Advanced Manufacturing.

Company Size: Small Business (specific number of employees not listed, but "employee-owned" and "small business" designation implies a team likely ranging from 50-200 professionals). This size fosters a close-knit environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: Not specified, but the description suggests a company with established expertise in advanced sensing systems and a commitment to innovation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: This role will lead a team of engineers and technicians responsible for the fabrication, electronics assembly, and flight-testing facilities. The team size will likely scale with business growth.

• Reporting Structure: The Prototyping Operations and Capture Lead will likely report to a senior executive, such as a Director of Engineering, CTO, or CEO, given the strategic importance of this role in driving both technical operations and business development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: High degree of collaboration is expected with R&D engineers, program managers, business development personnel, and potentially finance and HR departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Operations: Focus on metrics such as laboratory utilization, efficiency, and profitability to guide operational decisions and resource allocation.

• Customer-Centric Growth: Emphasis on understanding customer needs and aligning technical capabilities to secure funded contracts and build long-term partnerships.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of fabrication, assembly, and testing processes to enhance speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Innovation & Research: Commitment to advancing the state of the art in radar systems, RF, and sensor exploitation technologies.

Company Website: https://matrixresearch.applicantpro.com (Note: This is the applicant portal URL. The actual company website would typically be matrixresearch.com or similar. Assuming the provided URL is the correct entry point for company information.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as an "employee-owned, small business" suggests a culture that values collaboration, direct impact, and shared success. The focus on advanced R&D in specialized areas like radar and sensor exploitation indicates a highly technical and innovative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or Senior Manager level within operations and business development. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise, operational management skills, and strategic sales/capture acumen. The role is pivotal in shaping the company's future growth trajectory.

Reporting Structure: The Lead will likely report to a senior executive (e.g., VP of Engineering, CTO, or CEO) and will directly manage a team of technical staff (engineers and technicians). This position interfaces heavily with external clients and internal R&D teams, positioning it centrally within the organization.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Matrix Research's revenue and profitability. Success means expanding the company's market reach, securing new contracts, and ensuring the efficient and profitable operation of critical technical facilities. The role is instrumental in translating the company's R&D innovations into tangible business opportunities and revenue streams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow the team and scope of operations as business development targets are met and exceeded.

• Strategic Business Leadership: Opportunity to influence broader company strategy, M&A, or partnership development based on market insights gained through capture activities.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced prototyping, manufacturing, and flight testing within the defense sector.

• Executive Advancement: With demonstrated success in both operational excellence and revenue generation, pathways to higher executive leadership roles within Matrix Research are possible.

• ESOP Participation: Continued growth and profitability will directly benefit employee-owners through the ESOP.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for an individual who can operate at the intersection of technical execution and business strategy. Growth opportunities would likely involve expanding the operational footprint, taking on broader business unit responsibilities, or moving into higher-level executive roles within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid remote work environment. This indicates a blend of on-site work at the facilities in Dayton, Ohio, and remote work flexibility. The on-site component is crucial for direct oversight of fabrication, assembly, and testing operations, as well as for customer engagement and team leadership.

Office Location(s): Beavercreek, Ohio. This location places the company within a region known for its strong presence in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, offering access to talent and a supportive ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, suggesting an open and interactive workspace when on-site.

• Technical Facilities: Access to and direct oversight of state-of-the-art fabrication, electronics assembly, and unmanned flight-testing laboratories. This environment is hands-on and technically demanding.

• Customer Interface: Frequent interaction with external clients (DoD, defense primes, commercial entities) both on-site and potentially at client locations or industry events.

• Resources: Access to advanced equipment, R&D expertise, and support staff necessary for prototyping and integration.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. This offers flexibility for planning and administrative tasks, while ensuring consistent on-site presence for critical operational oversight and team management. The hourly pay structure ensures fair compensation for all hours worked.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key feature, balancing the need for hands-on leadership in technical facilities with the flexibility often sought by experienced professionals. The Dayton, Ohio location is strategic for defense contracting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application materials, focusing on experience in engineering, manufacturing operations, and business development/capture.

• Technical & Operational Interview: Discussion of hands-on experience, facility management strategies, safety protocols, and team supervision. This may involve technical challenges related to prototyping or manufacturing processes.

• Business Development & Capture Interview: Assessment of experience in identifying opportunities, customer engagement, proposal support, and revenue generation. Case studies of past successes will be crucial.

• Leadership & Cultural Fit Interview: Evaluation of leadership style, team management approach, and alignment with Matrix Research's employee-owned, collaborative culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership (CEO, CTO) to discuss strategic vision, long-term goals, and confirm overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative, clearly state the measurable impact (e.g., "Increased facility utilization by 25%," "Secured $5M in new contracts," "Reduced lead time by 15%").

• Showcase Dual Expertise: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates both strong technical/operational capabilities and successful business development/capture achievements. Use case studies that highlight this synergy.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by functional area (Operations, Business Capture) or by key accomplishments. Use clear headings and concise descriptions.

• Highlight Process Improvement: Detail specific processes you've implemented or optimized, explaining the problem, your solution, and the resulting benefits.

• Tailor to Matrix Research: Research Matrix Research's specific technologies (radar, RF, sensor exploitation) and tailor your examples to show how your skills align with their mission and customer base (DoD, defense primes).

• Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss hypothetical situations related to managing facility growth, resolving operational bottlenecks, or pursuing a new client opportunity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Efficiency Exercise: You might be asked to analyze a scenario involving a busy lab and propose solutions to improve throughput, manage resources, or address a safety concern.

• Business Case Development: A potential challenge could involve outlining a strategy to capture a new type of contract or expand into a new market segment for Matrix Research's prototyping services.

• Team Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle team performance issues, motivate staff, or foster a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates both technical operations and business capture success is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare specific examples that quantify their impact in both areas.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/CAM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software for prototyping and fabrication (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam).

• Prototyping Equipment: Hands-on experience operating and managing various prototyping tools and machinery (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters).

• Electronics Assembly Equipment: Familiarity with equipment used in electronics assembly, such as soldering stations, oscilloscopes, and potentially automated assembly lines.

• Flight Testing Equipment: Experience with systems and software related to unmanned flight testing, data acquisition, and analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or equivalent: For tracking samples, experiments, and equipment usage.

• ERP/MRP Systems: For managing inventory, production schedules, and cost tracking in a manufacturing/fabrication context (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or smaller-scale systems).

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project for managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, utilization tracking, budgeting, and financial modeling.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software: Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics) to manage customer interactions, track leads, and support business development efforts.

• Proposal Management Tools: Familiarity with tools or processes used for collaborative proposal writing and submission.

• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards to monitor operational performance and present business development progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly listed, a role managing technical facilities and driving business development would necessitate familiarity with a range of software and hardware. The emphasis is on practical application and data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: A strong commitment to the company's mission of making the world safer through innovative engineering solutions. This means understanding how efficient operations and successful contract captures contribute to this larger goal.

• Collaborative Spirit: Embracing teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among colleagues, reflecting the employee-owned structure.

• Technical Excellence: Maintaining high standards in engineering, manufacturing, and testing processes to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing understanding and meeting customer needs to build lasting relationships and secure business.

• Efficiency and Profitability: Driving operational excellence to ensure facilities are utilized effectively and contribute positively to the company's financial health.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working with R&D, program management, and business development teams to ensure seamless project execution and opportunity alignment.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, feedback exchange, and proactive problem-solving across all levels and departments.

• Knowledge Sharing: Fostering an environment where best practices in operations, engineering, and business development are shared and adopted.

• Empowerment: As an employee-owned company, there's an inherent value in empowering individuals to take ownership of their work and contribute to company success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The employee-owned structure is a key cultural differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they foster collaboration and drive results within such a model.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Operations and Business Development: Effectively managing day-to-day facility operations while simultaneously driving new business capture requires strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Scaling Operations: Meeting increasing customer demand requires strategic planning for capacity expansion, equipment acquisition, and talent development within the labs.

• Competitive Market: The defense and aerospace sectors are highly competitive; consistently identifying and winning new contracts demands agility and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled engineers and technicians for specialized prototyping and assembly roles can be challenging.

• DoD Security Clearance Requirements: Navigating the complexities and timelines associated with obtaining and maintaining security clearances for personnel.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Staying abreast of emerging prototyping, fabrication, and assembly techniques.

• Government Contracting & Capture Strategy: Deepening expertise in DoD procurement processes, proposal writing, and win-loss analysis.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing skills in team management, strategic planning, and financial oversight.

• Industry Engagement: Representing Matrix Research at key defense industry conferences and trade shows.

• ESOP Benefits: Understanding and leveraging the benefits of being part of an employee-owned company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a growing business unit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach and overcome common challenges in fast-paced, technology-driven environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing and executing a growth strategy for a technical service offering like rapid prototyping."

• "How do you identify and qualify new business opportunities within the DoD and defense prime contractor landscape?"

• "Walk us through a successful capture effort you led. What were the key steps, challenges, and outcomes?"

• "How do you balance operational demands (safety, efficiency, utilization) with the strategic imperative of business development and customer engagement?"

• "What metrics do you use to measure the success of laboratory operations and business development initiatives?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Matrix Research's mission and its focus on radar systems and sensor exploitation?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within a technical team, especially in an employee-owned company?"

• "Describe your experience managing budgets and financial performance for operational facilities."

• "How do you stay current with advancements in prototyping technologies and defense industry trends?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: Structure your case studies using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method for clarity and impact.

• Quantify Everything: For each example, emphasize the measurable outcomes – revenue generated, cost savings, efficiency improvements, utilization increases, contract values secured.

• Visual Aids: Prepare concise slides or documents that visually represent your achievements, processes, and key data points.

• Connect to Matrix Research: Explicitly draw parallels between your past successes and how they would benefit Matrix Research's specific goals and challenges.

• Focus on Both Pillars: Ensure your presentation equally highlights your strengths in both technical operations management and business development/capture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate strategic thinking, strong operational acumen, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth in a technical, defense-focused environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Prototyping Operations and Capture Lead position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements in engineering, manufacturing operations, business development, and contract capture. Use keywords from the job description, such as "prototyping," "fabrication," "business development," "capture," "DoD," and "facility operations."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work that demonstrates your capabilities in both technical operations and business capture. Focus on quantifiable results and be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research Matrix Research: Understand their core technologies (radar, RF, sensor exploitation), their mission, and their role in the defense industry. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, particularly those related to leadership, operational management, business development strategy, and problem-solving. Be ready to articulate your value proposition clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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