The Civil-Military Innovation Institute, Inc. (CMI2) is seeking a Warfighter Innovation Chief – Ft. Polk to support the US Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory Catalyst Pathfinder program. This position is a full-time position which reports directly to the CMI2 Pathfinder Deputy Program Manager.
CMI2 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that supports the US Department of War (DOW) activities to build a civil-military innovation workforce optimized to advance national security technologies, as well as align the work of innovators from universities and non-traditional technology companies with the activities of the DOW and public safety communities.
The Pathfinder Program strategically partners leading academic institutions across the nation with Soldiers, forming small, integrated teams to tackle complex technical challenges. By bringing together warfighters, students, and faculty, many of whom have not previously engaged with Army (DOW) problems, the program unlocks fresh perspectives and creative solutions. These collaborations are designed to generate meaningful discoveries and drive impactful future outcomes.
Essential Position Functions
Here’s a refined, more consistent and professional version of your bullets with improved clarity and flow:
- Serve as Program Lead and Project Manager for Ft. Polk (Contractor)
- Lead problem sourcing and data collection from tactical-level Soldiers to define actionable and solvable challenges
- Establish processes to identify critical Soldier needs that can be addressed by government, academic, or private sector partners in an efficient manner
- Oversee prototyping and solution development conducted by academic institutions and commercial R&D incubators within the area of responsibility
- Facilitate commercialization opportunities and mentor entrepreneurs supporting technology prototypes relevant to Army and DOW applications
- Support the Pathfinder Program Manager in developing methodologies to enhance academic approaches to solving Soldier problem sets
- Produce program reports, deliverables, and problem statements in a timely and professional manner
- Build and maintain strong relationships with tenant units at Ft. Polk
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, subject matter experts, and business and finance professionals
- Partner with Soldiers to identify emerging technical areas of interest and develop programs that strengthen technical expertise
- Collaborate with university partners to design and implement Army-focused academic programs
- Engage Army stakeholders to develop transition strategies for moving successful prototypes into follow-on programs
- Coordinate with the CMI2 Adaptive Experimentation Force to integrate technologies into JRTC rotations for experimentation and data collection
- Serve as liaison between the CMI2 Adaptive Experimentation Force and Ft. Polk units
- Engage with DOW components, the Intelligence Community, foreign defense partners, and industry to identify collaboration opportunities that reduce technical, performance, or schedule risk and accelerate new Army capabilities
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in a scientific or technical discipline preferred
- Demonstrated experience with or strong knowledge of tactical and operational military units
- Strong team-oriented mindset with high emotional intelligence
- Experience leading or supporting research and product development efforts that resulted in fielded systems for the warfighter
- At least 3 years of experience in applied research and development preferred
- Familiarity with military and commercial product design processes
- Proven ability to manage projects and lead teams effectively
- Ability to perform in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Proactive, self-starter who seeks out responsibility and takes initiative
- Eligible for a Secret security clearance
US Citizenship required.
Travel Requirement
25% (estimated)
Location
Ft. Polk, LA
