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 

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