Technical Program Lead, Manufacturing

This grant-funded Technical Program Lead role focuses on advanced manufacturing within the defense innovation ecosystem. The position simplifies pathways for innovative companies and talent to engage with the Department of War (DoW), driving faster commercialization, scalable production, and ensuring warfighter-relevant technologies reach the field at speed and scale. The role combines deep technical expertise in advanced manufacturing, engineering project management, business acumen, and relationship-building. Funding is secured through August 15, 2027; continued employment is contingent upon availability of funds. This is an in-person position supporting defense-related projects funded by a U.S. Department of Defense grant. An offer is contingent upon the selected candidate being eligible for and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (Secret or higher) and any necessary export control licenses.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide personalized 1-on-1 education, coaching, and guidance to founders, researchers, and corporate teams on product development with specialized emphasis on advanced manufacturing techniques, scalability, and production readiness.
• Perform in-depth assessments of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) to evaluate technologies, identify gaps, and support advancement toward higher maturity levels suitable for DoW adoption—particularly in advanced manufacturing contexts such as additive processes, automation integration, and supply chain resilience.
• Proactively identify, recruit, onboard, and coach high-potential manufacturing and technology companies into DIU programs, including tech showcases, demonstrations, collaborative events, and acceleration initiatives that highlight defense-relevant innovations.
• Design and lead interactive workshops, training sessions, and events covering government contracting fundamentals, proposal development, intellectual property strategies in defense contexts, and best practices for aligning commercial solutions with warfighter needs.
• Facilitate strategic connections between commercial innovators (with a focus on advanced manufacturing providers) and DoW stakeholders (program offices, end-users, and acquisition professionals) to align emerging technologies with operational requirements and build a collaborative innovation ecosystem.
• Manage and oversee engineering projects related to technology maturation, prototype development, prototyping, and engineering support to companies and innovators, ensuring timely milestones, risk mitigation, resource allocation, and cross-functional coordination.
• Track participant progress, technology maturation, program outcomes, and key metrics; collect and analyze data to generate reports and demonstrate a measurable impact on defense innovation (per relevant Statement of Work requirements).

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Grade 10 (Salaried).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field; advanced degree (Master's/PhD) strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing (e.g., additive manufacturing, digital engineering, automation, robotics in production, or related innovative processes), ideally in dual-use, defense, aerospace, or national security contexts.
• Proven expertise in managing engineering projects, including planning, execution, budgeting, risk management, and delivery of technical prototypes or production-scale efforts (PMP certification or equivalent experience a plus).
• Strong understanding of DoW acquisition processes, SBIR/STTR programs, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), or similar mechanisms for engaging non-traditional vendors.
• In-depth knowledge of Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), and related maturity frameworks, particularly applied to advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills for workshops, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Self-starter with strong project management skills and comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Compensation

Target compensation range: $86,992 – $130,488 annually. Compensation will be commensurate with candidate experience.

Position Details

• Full-time, regular appointment
• In-person work required
• Grant-funded through August 15, 2027; continued employment contingent on funding availability
• Requires eligibility for and ability to obtain/maintain U.S. government security clearance (Secret or higher) and necessary export control licenses