Responsibilities
The Technical Analyst conducts Technology Explorations to identify potential mutual value creation scenarios with TDK teams to augment collaborations with both TDK Ventures portfolio and non-portfolio companies (“startups”). The Technical Analyst will support the Engagement Team to ensure TDK Ventures brings consistent, visible and appreciated value to startups. This is an exciting opportunity to work with an award-winning, top-tier CVC fund while partnering with early stage deep-tech startups. This position’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Explore equal-win collaboration on technical basis for startups being considered for investment as assigned by Startup Liaison, and documenting findings ahead of an Investment Committee.
- Select, drive and document deeper technology explorations on topics proposed by Engagement Team and President as per Agile Methodology, with further goal of augmenting strategic engagement with TDK technologists, widen and deepen understanding of TDK current technologies and roadmaps.
- Document and continuously update solid knowledge of TDK’s core competencies, businesses, technology roadmap, partnership requirements, wish-lists, partnership requirements, and pain points across TDK teams, to identify synergistic business development opportunities with portfolio companies and startups.
- Develop detailed and comprehensive documents to identify and evaluate the most suitable technologies that align with TDK’s wish-lists and effectively address specific pain points. These documents serves as a valuable resource for identifying and selecting technology solutions that align with TDK’s strategic objectives and business needs.
- Assess whether assigned startups should be introduced to TDK teams or not. Exploring equal-win collaboration on technical basis and document the recommendations in a Quick Assessment presentation, including rationale for introducing or passing to Startup Liaison.
Qualifications
Success in this role requires strong technical curiosity, the ability to quickly learn across multiple technology areas, structured analytical thinking, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights and recommendations for the broader team.
- A technical degree is required (advanced degree preferred) in Electrical or Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or similar technology related field
- Must be an active TDK group company team member
- 5+ years of progressive engineering or R&D experience in a corporate environment
- Proactive curiosity, agility, and speed in deep diving between different technology themes
- Ability to understand various technologies and value proposition between startups and TDK
- Proven ability to establish internal networks and knowledge relevant to TDK technologies
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast paced environment with multiple teams and functions and across multiple projects and different cultures and time zones
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills in the English language and ability to articulate insights, concepts and recommendations cogently and concisely
- Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate across broad levels of people and functional roles including Startup CEOs, CTOs as well as TDK executives and engineering teams
- Uncompromising work ethic, accountability, and team mindset
- Reliable and attention to detail with strong desire to always learn