What are the responsibilities and job description for the Start-up Coach – Defense Innovation Commercial Industry SME position at Pacific Impact Zone?
Job Summary:
Pacific Impact Zone (PIZ) is seeking a Startup Coach, Defense Innovation (Commercial Industry SME) to support the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Hawai‘i. This role is designed for an experienced startup operator or coach with a strong understanding of how early- and growth-stage companies develop, scale, and transition technology, and who can effectively guide innovators in engaging with the Department of War (DoW).
The SME will work directly with startups and scale-ups, particularly non-traditional defense companies, providing practical, execution-focused guidance on commercialization, readiness, and engagement with DIU and other DoW innovation pathways. The role emphasizes hands-on coaching, founder support, and operational alignment, rather than policy development or academic research.
Why Join Us ?
The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Hawai‘i serves as a key entry point for innovators supporting national security priorities in the Indo-Pacific. This role offers the opportunity to directly shape how startups engage with customers and transition technology into operational use, while strengthening Hawai‘i’s role in the defense innovation ecosystem.
Essential Duties / Responsibilities:
- Coach and advise startups on business model development, commercialization strategy, and customer discovery.
- Assess readiness for DIU, SBIR/STTR, OTAs, and related pathways.
- Translate commercial traction into DoW-relevant value propositions.
- Prepare startups for mission partner engagements.
- Support workshops, clinics, and execution-focused programming.
Required Qualifications:
- 5 years experience in startups, accelerators, or founder-led organizations.
- Direct founder coaching or advisory experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of the stages through which startups evolve from initial traction to scalable, repeatable execution.
- Strong communication and execution-focused mindset.
- Familiarity with DoW innovation environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with DIU, SBIR/STTR, OTAs, or defense accelerators.
- Founder or venture builder background.
- Dual-use or regulated-market experience.
- Existing networks across startup, venture, or DoW innovation communities.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- High level of initiative and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Practical, execution-oriented mindset with a focus on outcomes rather than theory
- Credibility with founders and the ability to build trust quickly
- Ability to work effectively across startups, government stakeholders, and mission partners
Education:
Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
Work Environment:
Full-time, Honolulu, HI. Occasional travel required. Must be based in Hawai‘i or willing to relocate
Benefits:
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance coverage
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Retirement savings plan with employer match
- Paid time off and holidays