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Defense Innovation Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TX Group

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Sales Director - Defense Contracts | CleanTech

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) * DARPA * ARPA-E * National Laboratories * Other federal and state agencies supporting critical minerals and manufacturing * Develop capture strategies for government ...

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TX Group

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Sales Director - Defense Contracts | CleanTech

Washington, DC · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) * DARPA * ARPA-E * National Laboratories * Other federal and state agencies supporting critical minerals and manufacturing * Develop capture strategies for government ...

New

TX Group

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Sales Director - Defense Contracts | CleanTech

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$260K - $300K/yr

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) * DARPA * ARPA-E * National Laboratories * Other federal and state agencies supporting critical minerals and manufacturing * Develop capture strategies for government ...

New

TX Group

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Sales Director - Defense Contracts | CleanTech

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$240K - $300K/yr

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) * DARPA * ARPA-E * National Laboratories * Other federal and state agencies supporting critical minerals and manufacturing * Develop capture strategies for government ...

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How much do defense innovation unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense innovation unit in the United States is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at the Defense Innovation Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive at the Defense Innovation Unit, you need expertise in technology development, project management, and an understanding of defense and national security, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in innovation or the defense sector. Familiarity with emerging technologies, acquisition processes, and tools such as project management software and secure communication systems is crucial. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication skills help drive partnerships between government, industry, and academia. These abilities are essential for accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that address complex defense challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)?

Professionals at the Defense Innovation Unit often navigate the challenge of bridging the gap between fast-paced commercial technology development and the more structured processes of the Department of Defense. Adapting to the unique demands of both government and private sector stakeholders requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, team members regularly collaborate with startups, industry partners, and military end-users, making the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable solutions critical. Balancing innovation with compliance and security standards is another key aspect of the role.

What is the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)?

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is an organization within the U.S. Department of Defense that accelerates the adoption of commercial technology into the military. DIU works with innovative private sector companies to identify, prototype, and field advanced technological solutions that address national security challenges. By bridging the gap between the military and the commercial tech industry, DIU helps ensure the U.S. military maintains a technological edge. Their areas of focus include artificial intelligence, autonomy, cyber, human systems, and space technologies.
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Defense Innovation Unit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Innovation Unit job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,170 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Army Part-Time IMA Reservist

Army Part-Time IMA Reservist

Defense Innovation Unit

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) supports the Department of Defense’s efforts to create and foster commercial partnerships within multiple innovation ecosystems across the United States. It is staffed by active-duty and reserve personnel, government civilians and contracted consultants.

DIU is headquartered in Mountain View, CA with satellite offices in Cambridge, MA, Washington DC, and Austin, TX.

*This is not an opening to a specific billet, rather a means of indicating your interest in serving in a part time IMA capacity at DIU.  The service lead will reach out when we have billet openings and your profile is a match for our current needs.

Responsibilities

Army IMA reservists provide part-time support to DIU's Portfolio and Engagement teams based on their military and civilian expertise. Unlike other reserve commands, a reservist's civilian expertise plays a larger role for most of the work they support than their military background. 

The type of support provided will vary dependent on active projects and programs in progress on the active side. Reservists will provide business operations and professional services in support of the Directors and Program Managers. They may act as an interface between the DOD, entrepreneurs, start-up firms, and commercial technology companies to increase DOD access to leading edge commercial technologies, processes and technical talent.

Types of Project Support

  • Conducts market research and engages with commercial sector to support project curation and execution (as needed)
  • Assists on contracting activities and documents in support of the directors and program/project managers

Types of Content Creation Support

  • Technical writing
  • Drafting, creating and editing presentations, reports, summaries and minutes of meetings, white papers
  • Branding and storytelling materials

The ideal candidate should have:

  • Capacity to thrive in a culture where self-motivation is necessary, and communication is paramount. Ability to juggle numerous tasks and competing priorities
  • Understand the expectations of supervisors/stakeholders/teammates and develop strong working relationships to achieve shared goals. Build strong relationships with both external candidates and internal business partners. Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Strong written and oral communication skills; the ability to present complex matters clearly and simply; effective organizational skills; the ability to be proactive, take initiative and follow through
  • Demonstrated ability to gather and analyze a variety of data points (qualitative and quantitative) and whittle that information down to the most salient insights for the Portfolio’s business needs
  • Ability to distill and communicate highly complex issues for a technical and at times a non-technical audience
  • Proficient computer skills, Google Suite a plus
  • High level of responsibility, ownership and accountability
  • Able to effectively debate and use data as the basis of your argument
  • Passion for great DoD-Silicon Valley customer experiences

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