Distributed Manufacturing Program Lead

Role Description Pacific Impact Zone (PIZ) is seeking a Distributed Manufacturing Program Lead to spearhead its efforts to catalyze a distributed manufacturing production capacity in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. These efforts are designed to solve one of the harder logistics problems in modern defense: sustaining operations when centralized supply chains are contested, degraded, or unavailable. This role leads the development of a distributed manufacturing capability designed to sustain operations in contested logistics environments. You will own the development of an emerging capability that integrates manufacturing, materials science, logistics, and operational decision-making in contested environments. This includes shaping the concept for, aligning stakeholders with, and guiding the development of an orchestration platform that connects distributed production with real-world mission needs. This is not a traditional product role. This is not a defined program with clear guardrails. You will operate in ambiguity, make decisions with incomplete information, and build something that does not currently exist. Salary Range: $150k - $175k annually Essential Duties / Responsibilities Program & Capability Leadership Own the development of a distributed manufacturing capability from concept through early implementation/transition Define how manufacturing, materials science, logistics, and operational needs connect in a contested environment Drive progress across an evolving, partially defined problem space Platform Development (Not Just Product Management) Guide development of an orchestration platform that enables real-time coordination across distributed manufacturing nodes Translate operational needs into clear, buildable requirements for the development team Make tradeoff decisions between technical feasibility and mission impact Operational Concept Development Build and continuously refine the end-to-end concept: point-of-need → production → fulfillment → validation Integrate biomanufacturing and alternative material sourcing into the broader system Identify gaps, pressure test assumptions, and evolve the model based on real constraints Stakeholder Alignment & Execution Engage mission partners, technical teams, and leadership to align priorities and drive progress Navigate competing stakeholder interests across operators, funders, and end users Build relationships and secure buy-in to pilot and validate emerging capabilities Systems Thinking & Integration Maintain a full-system view across supply inputs, manufacturing nodes, logistics pathways, and operational timelines Ensure the platform and process evolve together—not independently Capture lessons learned and build repeatable knowledge for PIZ’s broader mission What This Role Is (and Is Not) This role is: A program lead for an emerging defense capability A systems integrator across technology, operations, and stakeholders A builder operating at the intersection of concept and execution This role is not: A traditional Agile Product Owner managing a backlog A narrowly scoped software or data platform role A pure strategy or architecture position removed from execution Job Requirements and Qualifications Required Direct experience in DoD or defense-adjacent environments (military, government, or contractor) Exposure to logistics, sustainment, or operations where supply constraints were real Demonstrated ownership of complex, ambiguous workstreams from concept to execution Strong systems thinking—ability to connect multiple moving parts into a coherent solution Ability to work with technical teams and translate operational needs into actionable direction Current clearance eligibility - This position requires current Secret personnel security clearance eligibility , verifiable through the appropriate government system, and the ability to maintain the required eligibility and access Preferred Experience with distributed systems, manufacturing, or supply chain operations Familiarity with contested logistics or Indo-Pacific operational challenges Exposure to R&D, prototyping, or innovation-driven programs Awareness of biomanufacturing or alternative material sourcing concepts Education : BS in Engineering or equivalent; former military enlisted personnel with directly related experience are also eligible. Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: How You Work You focus on solving the operational problem—not just building the tool You are comfortable making decisions without complete information You can operate at both strategic and tactical levels simultaneously You communicate directly and push back when needed You build alignment across groups that do not naturally agree You create structure where none yet exists Work Environment: Full time, exempt position. This role may be performed in-person or in a hybrid remote capacity but preferred out of our Honolulu, HI office. Work can be performed from any location; however, employees in a hybrid remote arrangement are required to maintain working hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time (HST) to support team collaboration. Preference is given to candidates based in or willing to work from our Honolulu, Hawaii headquarters. Periodic travel is required to support mission partner engagements and company operations. Relocation support to Hawaii may be offered for highly qualified candidates. Benefits Health/Dental/Vision insurance coverage Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Retirement savings plan with employer match Paid time off and holidays EEO Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.