Program Manager

Defense Innovation Unit Program ManagerThe Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a Department of War organization responsible for accelerating the adoption of commercial technology across the Department. As a principal gateway between the Department and leading technology companies, DIU identifies, prototypes, fields, and scales capabilities that address urgent operational needs for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and the broader joint force.Autonomous Warfare Program Managers are responsible for turning consequential warfighter problems into executable programs—and moving promising commercial technologies from initial discovery to operational use.This is not a traditional administrative program management role. Program Managers operate with substantial autonomy and are expected to demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and ownership. They define and refine problems, build partnerships, shape acquisition strategies, assess technologies, manage vendors and commercial stakeholders, and drive capabilities through prototyping, transitioning, and fielding.There is no single profile for success. The strongest candidates bring meaningful experience across at least two of the following areas:Military operationsCommercial technologyDoD acquisitionTechnical program managementAutonomy, robotics, artificial intelligence, or related fieldsSuccessful Program Managers combine intellectual curiosity, humility, urgency, and a willingness to take on whatever work is required to deliver results. They are technically credible, commercially aware, operationally grounded program builders.Although this is a generalist role, DIU is particularly interested in candidates with knowledge and experience in collaborative autonomy, unmanned systems, multi-agent systems, and human-machine teaming.Translate complex operational needs into clear problem statements, technical objectives, evaluation criteria, and executable acquisition strategies.Identify and assess commercial technologies, companies, and emerging market capabilities relevant to priority Department needs.Build and lead multidisciplinary programs involving military operators, engineers, acquisition professionals, contracting personnel, test organizations, commercial vendors, and senior leaders.Manage program outcomes, schedules, budgets, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations from initial problem definition through transition.Develop competitive solicitation, prototyping, experimentation, and contracting strategies using the most appropriate acquisition pathways.Design operational assessments that generate credible evidence, meaningful end-user feedback, and clear transition decisions.Work directly with vendors to resolve technical, contractual, operational, and organizational barriers.Develop transition strategies that move successful prototypes into production, sustained operational use, or an established program of record.Communicate program status, risks, decisions, and recommendations clearly to senior government, military, and industry stakeholders.Build enduring partnerships across the Services, combatant commands, program offices, operational units, commercial industry, and the broader defense innovation ecosystem.