DIU Program Manager - Cross Portfolio

Location US-VA-Suite 500

ID 2026-4295

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

The DIU Program Manager - Cross Portfolio manager leads technology transition efforts within one or more of the Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU) portfolio areas, including Cybersecurity, Human Systems, Space, Autonomy, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Emerging Technologies, and future mission priorities. Identifies capability gaps across the Department of War, matches them with commercially proven solutions, and drives prototype projects from problem framing through fielding.

Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of prototype projects from operational problem definition through commercial scouting, prototyping, experimentation, transition, and fielding.
• Identify capability gaps across the Department and align them with commercially available technologies that can be rapidly adopted.
• Develop portfolio strategies aligned with the National Defense Strategy and DIU mission priorities.
• Evaluate technical, operational, acquisition, and transition risks whilemaintainingcost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams composed of government civilians, military personnel, contractors, and commercial partners.
• Partner with acquisition professionals to execute Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), Other Transactions (10 U.S.C. * 4022), and other rapid acquisition pathways.
• Build trusted relationships across Combatant Commands, Military Departments, Defense Agencies, industry, venture-backed companies, academia, and the innovation ecosystem.
• Mentor teammates and contribute to DIU-wide collaboration and knowledge sharing.

A minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree, 8 years with a Master's degree, a PhD with 5 years experience, or equivalent experience is typically required for an employee at this level.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, robotics, applied mathematics, or related STEM discipline.
• 11 years leading complex technology development, innovation, product management, or defense acquisition efforts.
• Demonstrated success transitioning commercial technologies into defense or national security applications.
• Working knowledge of DoD acquisition pathways including Other Transactions and adaptive acquisition.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to brief senior leaders.
• Ability to translate operational problems into executable commercial technology solutions.
• Technical Specialization in one or more of the following areas:
  • Physical AI, robotics, embodied autonomy, and human-machine teaming
  • Directed energy
  • Quantum communications
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Autonomous systems
  • Space systems
  • Energy and operational resilience
  • Cloud computing, software engineering, digital engineering, and data platforms
  • Emerging commercial technologies with defense applications

$150,000 - $250,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.