Distributed Manufacturing Program Lead (Contested Logistics)
About The Position
Pacific Impact Zone (PIZ) is seeking a Distributed Manufacturing Program Lead to contribute to 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, logistics, and operational decision-making in contested environments. This includes shaping the concept, aligning stakeholders, 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 fully exist yet.
Requirements
- BS in Engineering or equivalent; former military enlisted personnel with directly related experience are also eligible
- 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
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- 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
Responsibilities
- Own the development of a distributed manufacturing capability from concept through early implementation
- Define how manufacturing, logistics, and operational needs connect in a contested environment
- Drive progress across an evolving, partially defined problem space
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance coverage
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Retirement savings plan with employer match
- Paid time off and holidays
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
