Small Business Exercise Program Manager

Role Overview

• Design, plan, and manage comprehensive technology test and exercise events to validate, mature, and transition innovations developed by small businesses
• Translate warfighter and mission needs into clear, measurable objectives, success criteria, and evaluation frameworks for technical demonstrations
• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of technology demonstrations, exercises, and assessments, ensuring alignment with operational goals, schedules, and program milestones
• Oversee exercise logistics, coordination, and risk management to ensure successful execution within time and resource constraints
• Serve as the primary liaison among SpaceWERX, small business performers, and external stakeholders, including Space Force program offices, Combatant Commands, and other DoD organizations
• Assess small business technical capabilities and technology readiness, identifying alignment with DoD and Space Force mission gaps
• Coordinate across government, industry, and commercial partners to secure participation, align objectives, and optimize use of resources
• Facilitate collaboration to ensure shared understanding of requirements, expectations, and transition pathways
• Analyze and document exercise outcomes to inform technology transition decisions, investment priorities, and acquisition strategies
• Develop clear, data-driven reports, briefings, and transition recommendations for senior leaders, program offices, and acquisition authorities
• Support alignment of SBIR/STTR investments with SpaceWERX and Space Force strategic priorities to increase the likelihood of transition into programs of record
• Identify and recommend pathways to accelerate successful technologies from prototype to operational use
• Build and sustain a collaborative innovation ecosystem of small businesses, acquisition professionals, test organizations, and operational end users
• Lead initiatives that reduce technical and programmatic risk while enhancing commercial viability and operational relevance
• Promote delivery of dual-use technologies that support both national security missions and commercial markets

Requirements

• Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility
• 5+ years of experience in program management, test coordination, technology transition, or related roles—preferably within defense, government, or innovation ecosystems
• Demonstrated experience engaging with small businesses and aligning innovative technologies to DoD requirements
• Strong working knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, technology maturation pathways, and test and evaluation principles
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder programs with limited resources and evolving objectives
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to brief both technical and executive audiences
• Prior experience supporting or working within DoD programs or government contracts
• Military background
• Familiarity with Air Force and Space Force test and evaluation processes and procedures
• Prior experience leading or supporting SBIR/STTR efforts, or working with SpaceWERX/AFWERX
• Knowledge of space-related mission areas and technologies, such as Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT), Electronic Warfare (EW), satellite systems, or space domain operations.

Tech Stack

• TypeScript

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays