The Pair Program
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Welcome to the Pair Program from hatchpad, the podcast that gives you a front-row seat to candid conversations with tech leaders from the startup world. Join host Tim Winkler alongside co-host Mike Gruen as they bring together two guests to dissect topics at the intersection of technology, startups, and career growth.
Tim Winkler is a serial Entrepreneur and is the CEO of hatch I.T. a Software Recruiting Company focusing on newly emerging Startup companies.
Mike Gruen is a Technologist & Engineering Leader with decades of experience in the field. He is currently the Director of Engineering at Cherre, the leader in real estate data and insight.
Get Answers to your most pressing startup questions:
💡 Do I need a college degree to work as a Software Engineer?
💡 Should we build or buy software?
💡 How do startups get funded?
💡 How do I get into Product Management?
All these questions and more will be answered for you by our experienced hosts and industry-leading guests. Make sure to catch each episode every other week and follow us on Social to stay up to date with hatchpad.
🐣 What is hatchpad? 🐣
Hatchpad is the community for startup technologists.
Our members include Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Tech Executives; all connected through their passion for startups and desire to create innovative technology.
Every week we chat with startup technologists to provide you behind-the-scenes insights on technical skills, career advice, and industry trends.
This community is for you if you want to learn from and grow alongside a curated group of startup technical professionals.
🚀 Sign-Up for Weekly hatchpad Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
🤖 Check Out the hatchpad: http://myhatchpad.com/
Follow us on Social Media!!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBy9WYJlx31R3QmbSlR85Dg
Tim Winkler is a serial Entrepreneur and is the CEO of hatch I.T. a Software Recruiting Company focusing on newly emerging Startup companies.
Mike Gruen is a Technologist & Engineering Leader with decades of experience in the field. He is currently the Director of Engineering at Cherre, the leader in real estate data and insight.
Get Answers to your most pressing startup questions:
💡 Do I need a college degree to work as a Software Engineer?
💡 Should we build or buy software?
💡 How do startups get funded?
💡 How do I get into Product Management?
All these questions and more will be answered for you by our experienced hosts and industry-leading guests. Make sure to catch each episode every other week and follow us on Social to stay up to date with hatchpad.
🐣 What is hatchpad? 🐣
Hatchpad is the community for startup technologists.
Our members include Software Engineers, Product Managers, Data Scientists, and Tech Executives; all connected through their passion for startups and desire to create innovative technology.
Every week we chat with startup technologists to provide you behind-the-scenes insights on technical skills, career advice, and industry trends.
This community is for you if you want to learn from and grow alongside a curated group of startup technical professionals.
🚀 Sign-Up for Weekly hatchpad Newsletter: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
🤖 Check Out the hatchpad: http://myhatchpad.com/
Follow us on Social Media!!
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hatchpadcommunity/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/my_hatchpad
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBy9WYJlx31R3QmbSlR85Dg
129 Episodes
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Securing the Industrial Frontier with Frenos | The Pair Program Ep76In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen chat with Harry Thomas, CTO of Frenos, and Colin Murphy, Chief Hacking Officer at Frenos, two cybersecurity experts redefining how we protect critical infrastructure. They unpack what it takes to defend operational technology (OT) environments that keep power grids, water systems, and manufacturing lines running safely.We dive into:The origin of Frenos and its AI-powered “digital twin” for OT defenseBridging IT and OT security mindsetsHow their new tool, Optica, boosts visibility and resilienceThe rise of OT security posture managementBalancing commercial growth with national-security applicationsAbout Harry Thomas: Harry is an expert offensive penetration tester specializing in industrial and healthcare cybersecurity, with over a decade of experience. As CTO of Frenos, he leads innovation in protecting critical infrastructures. He has taught “Hacking PLCs” at DefCon and BSIDES Orlando, spoken at BSIDES NH, and been featured on the Secure Insights Podcast. Previously, he directed Product R&D at Dragos and led AI/ML-driven UBA development at AWS.About Colin Murphy: Colin is a technology innovator and security practitioner with a passion for building and breaking systems to drive meaningful change. As a former CIO and ethical hacker, he focuses on offensive security and digital strategy to stay ahead in an evolving threat landscape. His mission: help organizations simulate and stop cyberattacks before they happen.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Generals in the Startup Trenches: Leading Defense Tech from Frontlines to Frontiers | The Pair Program Ep75In this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with two retired Army generals turned tech executives, LTG Eric Wesley, former CEO of Parasanti Inc, and LTG Ross Coffman, President of Forward Edge AI. They discuss how military leadership translates into startup success, what it takes to build culture from scratch, and how dual-use innovation can strengthen both national defense and commercial sectors.Key Topics Covered:Leading teams through transition and uncertaintyBuilding culture in early-stage startupsThe realities of defense-tech bureaucracyHow military experience informs innovationAbout LTG Eric Wesley (USA, Ret): Eric is the former CEO of Parasanti Inc, an edge compute company serving the Department of Defense. He previously served as Deputy Commander of Army Futures Command and led the development of the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations concept.About LTG Ross Coffman (USA, Ret): Ross is the President of Forward Edge AI and a Board Member of The Federal Savings Bank. He served over 35 years in the U.S. Army, culminating as Deputy Commander of Army Futures Command, and now advises multiple companies on innovation and leadership.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Critical Tech, Critical Time | The Pair Program Ep74In this episode, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen explore how startups and strategic investors are strengthening America’s innovation infrastructure. Nicholas Myers of Phoenix Tailings and Dr. Yan Zheng of In-Q-Tel discuss the urgency of building resilient supply chains and re-imagining manufacturing for a new era of national security.They dive into:How Phoenix Tailings turns toxic mining waste into rare-earth metalsWhy critical materials are the “new oil” of the modern economyIn-Q-Tel’s model for aligning startups and national prioritiesLessons on dual-use innovation and public-private collaborationAbout Nicholas Myers: Nicholas is the CEO and Co-Founder of Phoenix Tailings. Before co-founding the company, he held executive roles at a genomics firm and an EV charging startup. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Saint Michael’s College and an MBA from Northeastern University.About Dr. Yan Zheng: Dr. Yan is Chief of Staff at In-Q-Tel, where he aligns leadership priorities and oversees strategic investments in microelectronics, semiconductors, and quantum tech. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
How We Hatched: Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo DeveloperIn this How We Hatched episode, we sit down with Nick Skytland, Director of Gloo Developer, to explore how values-aligned AI can shape a future where technology drives human flourishing. Drawing from his career at NASA and his leadership at Gloo, Nick shares insights on building open, transparent AI systems and the importance of grounding innovation in shared human values. From defining human flourishing to reimagining the role of hackathons, Nick offers a forward-looking perspective on how technologists can build with purpose.Inside This Episode:Defining “human flourishing” in the age of AIThe Flourishing AI Benchmark and why it mattersBuilding values-aligned, open-source AI toolsThe role of trust, transparency, and shared values in techHow hackathons fuel innovation and communityAbout Nick Skytland: Nick is Director of Gloo Developer, leading initiatives to shape open, values-aligned AI that supports human flourishing. Before joining Gloo, he spent over two decades at NASA as Chief Technologist, advancing early-stage technologies and building some of the largest open innovation communities in history. He is also co-author of What Comes Next? Shaping the Future in an Ever-Changing World.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Capital Region Catalysts: How Synergos is Powering Deep-Tech in the DMV and Backing a Nuclear Pioneer | The Pair Program Ep73On this episode of The Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with Michelle Urben, Managing & General Partner at Synergos, and Edward McGinnis, CEO of Curio, to explore how deep tech innovation is reshaping energy and resilience. From the DMV to global markets, they discuss what it takes to build solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges.In this episode, you’ll learn:How local capital in the DMV is fueling global deep tech impactReinventing nuclear through recycling and new reactor designThe role of policy and perception in scaling nuclear innovationInvesting in durable, mission-driven companies tackling energy, food, and healthAbout Michelle Urben: Michelle Urben is Managing and General Partner at the Synergos Fund, investing in transformative companies addressing critical challenges in energy, food, and health. Based in Washington D.C., she brings decades of experience as a founder, investor, and advisor, while also serving on boards that champion innovation and community development.About Edward McGinnis: Ed McGinnis is CEO of Curio and a former senior U.S. government executive with 30+ years in nuclear energy, security, and policy. He previously led nuclear energy programs at the Department of Energy and the White House before taking on the challenge of reinventing nuclear innovation in the private sector.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Mission Critical: Building a Startup for America’s Next Fight | The Pair Program Ep72In this episode of The Pair Program, host Tim Winkler is joined by co-host Sean Leahy for a conversation with Andy Yakulis, CEO & Co-founder of Vector, and Larsen Jensen, Founder & General Partner at Harpoon Ventures and Co-Founder of Vector. Together, they dive into what it means to build mission-driven startups at the intersection of defense, technology, and national security.They dive into:The founding story of Vector and its “modern warfare as a service” modelBuilding a warfighter-led company culture in Utah’s Silicon SlopesBalancing special operations DNA with tech innovation and venture capitalCore values: Relentless, Ethical, Professional, that shape the teamWhy timing and geopolitics matter in defense innovationAbout Andy Yakulis: Andy Yakulis is the CEO and Co-founder of Vector, a modern warfare-as-a-service company. With 18 years of experience as an Army Officer and Special Operations Commander, he brings deep expertise at the intersection of defense, technology, and innovation, building solutions that serve U.S. national security.About Larsen Jensen: Larsen Jensen is Founder & Managing General Partner at Harpoon Ventures, a $300M venture capital firm backing early-stage technology companies. He is also Co-Founder of defense-tech company Vector, focused on modern warfare-as-a-service solutions. A former U.S. Navy SEAL and two-time Olympic medalist, Larsen brings leadership, resilience, and mission-driven focus to his work with founders.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
How We Hatched: Jennifer Sample, Chief Technology Officer at Empower AIIn this episode of How We Hatched, we sit down with Jennifer Sample, Chief Technology Officer at Empower AI, to explore her journey from chemistry to cutting-edge AI leadership. Jennifer shares lessons from Johns Hopkins APL, Accenture Federal Services, and now her mission-driven role at Empower AI.Key topics covered:From nanotechnology and space missions to AI innovationBalancing visionary research with mission-driven outcomesTransforming government through digital modernizationChallenges and opportunities of deploying AI in federal agenciesThe role of relationships in driving innovationAbout Jennifer Sample: Jennifer is CTO at Empower AI, leading technology vision, strategy, and execution for federal government customers. With 20+ years in AI, robotics, and advanced computing, she previously directed AI strategy at Accenture Federal Services and held leadership roles at Johns Hopkins APL, contributing to initiatives like Project Maven. She holds 10 patents, a B.S. from Penn State, a Ph.D. from UCLA, and an MBA from MIT.
Orbit to Operations: Bridging Government and Industry in Defense Innovation | The Pair Program Ep71On this week’s Pair Program, hosts Tim Winkler and Mike Gruen sit down with Topher Haddad, Co-founder/CEO of Albedo, and Arthur Grijalva, Director of SpaceWERX. They discuss how startups and the U.S. Space Force are working together to advance space innovation, touching on Albedo’s Clarity-1 satellite launch and the role of SpaceWERX’s STRATFI program in bridging commercial and defense priorities.Key topics covered:How the STRATFI program accelerates dual-use innovationAlbedo’s Clarity-1 launch and VLEO breakthroughsChallenges of securing government funding and partnershipsThe role of commercial viability in defense innovationAdvice for founders entering the defense-tech ecosystemAbout Topher Haddad: Topher is the Co-founder/CEO of Albedo, a company pioneering very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites. Albedo’s first satellite, Clarity-1, demonstrates imagery resolution once reserved for aircraft or billion-dollar government systems. Previously, Topher was an engineer at Lockheed Martin working on national security space programs.About Arthur F. Grijalva: Arthur is the Director of SpaceWERX, where he leads strategy and innovation programs for the U.S. Space Force. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he has held leadership roles in program management and test/evaluation across space control, satellite systems, responsive space, and advanced technology initiatives.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Dual-Use, Double Impact: Privateer’s Path in Geospatial Intelligence | The Pair Program Ep70In this episode of The Pair Program, we sit down with Mollie Martin, Director of GTM Strategy at Privateer, and Declan Lynch, Chief Revenue Officer and General Manager at Privateer, to explore what it takes to scale a dual-use business at the intersection of government and commercial markets. They share insights from Privateer’s journey, from Earth observation and space domain awareness to building a geospatial analytics platform that bridges mission-driven and market-driven needs.Key Topics Covered:Navigating the dual-use challenge: government vs. commercial strategiesProduct roadmap design and pricing trade-offsPrivateer’s acquisition of Orbital Insight and cultural integrationTrends shaping the geospatial analytics marketThe “small batch” approach to testing commercial pilotsAdvice for founders breaking into dual-use techAbout Mollie Martin: Mollie leads go-to-market strategy at Privateer, helping to shape product positioning, pricing, and adoption across commercial markets. She previously built out Deloitte’s spacetech capability and advised governments and global enterprises on New Space opportunities.About Declan Lynch: Declan is Chief Revenue Officer and General Manager at Privateer. With experience at Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Anduril, he drives the company’s geospatial analytics strategy and growth, forging key partnerships across defense and commercial sectors.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Into the Drone Zone: Countering Aerial Threats to Critical Infrastructure | The Pair Program Ep69Today’s episode features Yaniv Mendelson, Director of Business Development at Echodyne, and Tom Adams, Director of Public Safety at DroneShield. Together, they explore the fast-evolving counter-UAS landscape and the growing threats drones pose to critical infrastructure.We Dive Into:The shift from drones as novelty tech to national security threatsReal-world incidents involving energy grids, airports, and military basesRadar and multi-sensor detection strategies for airspace awarenessPublic-private collaboration and the need for updated legislationHow Echodyne and DroneShield are partnering to safeguard the skiesAbout Yaniv Mendelson: Yaniv is the Director of Business Development at Echodyne, a leader in advanced radar technologies. With over 20 years of experience in business development, sales, and system integration, he has driven the adoption of cutting-edge sensing solutions across critical industries.About Tom Adams: Tom is the Director of Public Safety at DroneShield. He retired from the FBI after 20 years of service, including 14 as a Special Agent Bomb Technician and leader of the Bureau’s Counter-UAS program. Tom has supported counter-terrorism efforts worldwide and served on the FAA UAS Detection and Mitigation Committee.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
From Navy Ops to AI Solutions: Modernizing Federal Service | The Pair Program Ep68This episode of The Pair Program dives into how cutting-edge tools like AI can make federal service a more exciting, impactful career path. Dr. Jim Liew, Founder & President of SoKat, and Michael Frank, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the Department of the Navy, discuss strategies to attract top tech talent, drive innovation, and break down barriers to change.Here’s what we dive into:Using AI to boost public sector performanceInspiring the next wave of technologistsTackling culture and process challengesBuilding collaboration across agenciesHarnessing digital twins and upskilling programsAbout Dr. Jim Liew: Dr. Jim is Founder & President of SoKat, an AI solutions firm serving federal agencies and top financial clients. Associate Professor of Finance at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.About Michael Frank: Michael is Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the Department of the Navy, leading efforts to identify and assess emerging technology. Officer in the Marine Reserves, overseeing the Cybersecurity portfolio for the Marine Innovation Unit. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Rebuilding the Arsenal: How Startups & Shipyards are Scaling the Future of Maritime Autonomy | The Pair Program Ep67Today on The Pair Program, we’re joined by Paul Lwin, CEO and co-founder of HavocAI, and Daniel Brunk, CEO of PacMar Technologies. These two leaders are teaming up to rethink how autonomous vessels are designed, built, and deployed at scale. From startup speed to shipyard expertise, they share how their partnership is accelerating the future of maritime innovation.In this episode, we cover:Why building thousands of autonomous boats is a software challengeHow they’re tapping into commercial boatbuilder networks to scale quicklyThe limitations of simulation vs. real-world testingThe economics of “precision mass” in defense and surveillanceMission profiles for autonomous vessels, from ISR to logisticsAbout Paul Lwin: Paul is CEO and co-founder of HavocAI. A former naval flight officer and test pilot, Paul launched HavocAI to deliver fast, scalable autonomous vessel technology for defense and commercial use. His mission is shaped by his experience as a refugee and his drive to give back through innovation.About Daniel Brunk: Daniel is CEO of PacMar Technologies. After a 30-year career in the U.S. Navy. including roles at DARPA and commanding the USS Helena, he now leads PacMar in building next-gen vessels ready for autonomy at sea. He brings deep experience in naval engineering, operations, and rapid prototyping. Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
How We Hatched: Ryan Holmes, Founder & CEO of GreenT Climate SoftwareIn this bonus How We Hatched episode, we’re joined by Ryan Holmes, Founder & CEO of GreenT Climate Software, to explore how AI is reshaping sustainability in multifamily real estate. Ryan shares how GreenT is building smart, scalable solutions that help properties meet environmental goals, without sacrificing financial performance.Key topics covered:How agentic AI simplifies complex sustainability workflowsUsing AI to extend startup runway and scale leanLessons from user-led product developmentWhy real estate is overdue for tech disruptionBuilding with AI from day one, not retrofitting laterEmpowering ESG teams with smart copilotsAbout Ryan Holmes: Ryan is the Founder & CEO of GreenT Climate Software, an AI-powered platform that delivers property performance insights and retrofit recommendations for multifamily real estate portfolios. Prior to GreenT, he served as SVP of Sales at SmartRent and has held leadership roles across proptech and medtech industries.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Beyond Burnout: Rehumanizing Cybersecurity with AI | The Pair Program Ep66In this episode of The Pair Program, we dive deep into the real challenges facing cybersecurity teams today. Our guests: William Macmillan, Chief Product Officer at Andesite, and Lucas Moody, SVP & CISO at Alteryx, bring sharp insight and a human-first perspective to one of tech’s most pressing issues: burnout. They explore the urgent need to protect not just systems, but the people protecting them.Topics we cover:Why burnout is skyrocketing in SOC teams, and how to reverse itHow AI can support analysts instead of replacing themThe role of curiosity and creativity in modern cybersecurityWhy junior analyst roles are more essential than everThe shift toward decision-layer tech built around the humanWhat’s next for cybersecurity talent and team buildingWhether you’re a cybersecurity pro, tech leader, or just curious about how AI is reshaping critical infrastructure, this one’s worth a listen.About William Macmillan: William is the Chief Product Officer at Andesite, where he sets the vision for building human-centric security tools. Previously, he served as SVP of Information Security at Salesforce and as CISO at the CIA, where he led a major transformation of the agency’s cybersecurity operations. A U.S. Air Force veteran, William brings experience across intelligence, counterintelligence, and supply chain risk.About Lucas Moody: Lucas is SVP & CISO at Alteryx, where he leads global information security strategy and operations. With a track record of building and scaling cybersecurity programs, he has held senior security leadership roles at Twitter, Rubrik, and Palo Alto Networks. Lucas brings deep expertise in security engineering, threat intelligence, and incident response, and has led global security teams across North America, Europe, and Asia.
How We Hatched: Trong Bui, Founder & CEO of VidooriIn this How We Hatched segment, we sit down with Trong Bui, Founder & CEO of Vidoori, to unpack his journey from immigrant engineer to tech leader. He shares insights on building a mission-driven company that prioritizes delivery, ethics, and long-term impact.Key takeaways from our one-on-one:The unexpected path from Lockheed Martin to entrepreneurshipBuilding a consulting firm focused on delivery over scaleEthical R&D and investing in internal product developmentCreating culture through in-person connectionHis outlook on AI and tech in government contractingAbout Trong Khuong Bui: Trong is a pioneering Asian American entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Vidoori, Inc., a company delivering cutting-edge tech solutions to government and commercial clients. With a background in engineering, he’s known for his excellence in strategic planning and risk management, and for championing people-first leadership.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
The Next Frontier: Collaborative Autonomy in Defense Tech | The Pair Program Ep65Autonomous systems are no longer science fiction, they’re reshaping national security. But while technology moves fast, policy, infrastructure, and trust lag behind. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to build resilient, distributed autonomy for contested environments. Joining us are Emma Bates, Founder & CEO of Cachai, and Dr. Kimberly Sablon, CTO at Riverside Research, who bring experience from startups and government.Here’s what we cover:The myth of the “common operating picture”Why centralized autonomy breaks in contested environmentsBuilding resilient, distributed systems at the edgeWhat startups need to succeed in defenseRethinking collaboration between humans and machinesAbout Emma Bates: Emma is the Founder & CEO of Cachai, a software company enabling collaborative autonomy for edge systems. She’s a former defense strategist with experience at the Department of Defense, Army Futures Command, CSIS, and a Texas-based supercomputing startup.About Dr. Kimberly Sablon: Dr. Kimberly is Chief Technology Officer at Riverside Research. She previously served as Principal Director for Trusted AI & Autonomy at the DoD and has led Army-wide science and technology initiatives. She holds a PhD in Applied Physics and has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
How We Hatched: Dr. Jay Rozzi, Vice President, Principal Engineer, and Partner at CreareIn this bonus How We Hatched episode, we sit down with Dr. Jay Rozzi, Vice President, Principal Engineer, and Partner at Creare. With deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, cryogenics, and tech commercialization, Jay shares how his team develops breakthrough technologies that move from R&D to real-world deployment across defense, aerospace, and biomedical sectors.Here’s what we get into:The fastener tool used in modern fighter jet productionCreare’s model: small teams solving complex engineering problemsHow SBIR-funded research becomes commercial-ready techThe role of soft skills in technical careersWhat’s next in cryogenics, space systems, and beyondAbout Dr. Jay Rozzi: Jay is Vice President and Principal Engineer & Partner at Creare LLC, and Vice President of Edare LLC, Creare’s product-focused affiliate. He leads Creare’s Advanced Manufacturing group and works in machining, laser processing, cryogenics, and biomedical systems, focusing on turning government-funded innovations into practical solutions.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Data Solutions in Regulated Environments: Scaling Innovation in Defense and Aerospace | The Pair Program Ep64On this week’s episode of The Pair Program, we’re diving deep into defense innovation, mission-first data strategy, and the future of aerospace tech with Jake Dyal and Scott Dieckhaus, two leaders with decades of experience navigating high-stakes environments. Jake, a former military intelligence officer turned startup founder, and Scott, a longtime aerospace leader now at AWS, share hard-won lessons from both the front lines and the cloud.We dive into:Building mission-ready AI for disconnected environmentsWhy “data value is in the eye of the beholder”The challenge of connecting siloed defense and aerospace dataThe truth about compliance: when it helps and when it slows you downHow early-stage defense startups can scale responsiblyWhat the future of edge tech, drones, and predictive logistics might look likeAbout Jake Dyal: Jake is the CEO and Co-Founder of Certus Core, where he’s building AI and data tools tailored for the defense sector. He brings over 25 years of experience from special ops missions to Pentagon programs, now focused on enabling smarter, faster decisions in disconnected environments.About Scott Dieckhaus: Scott leads Aerospace Solutions at AWS, helping defense and aerospace organizations modernize with cloud and edge technologies. He spent two decades at Boeing in program and analytics leadership and now applies that expertise to some of today’s most complex logistics and data challenges.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
Delivering Defense-Tech Ground Autonomy with DIU and Forterra | The Pair Program Ep63What does the future of defense look like when the vehicles drive themselves? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Benfield (Head of Strategy at Forterra) and David Michelson (Director of Autonomy at DIU) to talk about the real-world deployment of autonomous ground systems and why it’s no longer science fiction.Tune in for:How DIU and Forterra are building driverless combat vehicles (today, not someday)The inside story of the Ground Vehicle Autonomous Pathways (GVAP) programWhy off-road autonomy might be harder than robo-taxis, and why it’s worth itWhat “dual-use” really means when your tech serves ports and platoonsHow trust, safety, and certification are being redefined in autonomous warfareAbout David Michelson: David leads DIU’s autonomy portfolio, bringing over 15 years of experience in special operations, program management, and emerging tech. He’s behind key programs like Blue UAS and GVAP, and holds an MPP from Harvard and a B.S. from West Point.About Paul Benfield: Paul is Head of Strategy at Forterra and a 20+ year Army veteran. He’s worked at the highest levels of the Pentagon and now helps bridge the gap between tech startups and national defense priorities.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
From Service to Startup: Empowering Veteran-Led Innovation in Defense Tech | The Pair Program Ep62What happens when veterans take the lead in shaping the future of defense tech? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Casey Perley from the Army Applications Lab and Guy Filippelli of Squadra Ventures, two powerhouses driving change from within and beyond the DoD. They share stories from the frontlines of innovation, lessons learned in building startups, and advice for veterans stepping into tech.What you’ll hear in this episode:How military leaders are building the next wave of defense startupsWhy dual-use tech isn’t one-size-fits-allThe hidden challenges of navigating DoD procurementWhat makes a great founder (it’s not what you think)The impact of community and mission after active dutyAbout Dr. Casey Perley: Dr. Casey leads the Army Applications Lab, helping the Army tap into the best of commercial innovation. With a PhD in genetics, experience designing DNA vaccines, and a secret life as a Grammy-nominated harpist, Casey blends science, strategy, and creativity like few others.About Guy Filippelli: Guy is a former Army intel officer turned startup founder turned venture capitalist. He’s now Managing Partner at Squadra Ventures, backing early-stage companies in cyber and national security. From Baghdad to boardrooms, Guy’s journey is all about mission, impact, and building the next generation of leaders.Exploring your next tech role? Get insider job advice and the latest startup & govtech openings – delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://www.myhatchpad.com/newsletter/
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