Program Manager - Hacking for Defense
Core
Operating the pipeline between the next generation of founders and military missions by sourcing real-world problems, coordinating university student teams, and driving post-course commercialization.
Role type
Senior Program Manager (Defense Innovation)
Builds
A semester-long innovation pipeline connecting elite university student teams with Department of Defense problem sponsors.
Domain
National Security / Defense Innovation / University-Industry Collaboration
Required skills
Multi-stakeholder program leadership, global problem sourcing, ecosystem coordination, commercialization strategy, business metrics management, team coaching
Preferred skills
Experience in defense innovation ecosystem (DIU, DARPA, SOFWERX), Lean Startup methodology, Mission Model Canvas
Technologies
Lean Startup, Mission Model Canvas
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary interface for DIU Program Directors and government sponsors; lead global sourcing of actionable military problems; coordinate universities, educators, and contractor teams; drive post-course commercialization and funding pathways; manage program economics and growth strategy; supervise project leads and innovation analysts.