Defense Commercialization Advisory Lead

Arlington, VA
Full Time
Experienced

Job Description

If you're passionate about shaping innovation through impactful partnerships and collaboration with forward-thinking researchers, this role is for you!

Who we are:

  • FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology. We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world, aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world. We are venture builders who thrive at the intersection of US entrepreneurship, breakthrough technologies, and mission-driven organizations. 
  • Since 2015, we have successfully driven deep tech ventures with individuals, companies, universities, and government agencies to stay at the bleeding edge of innovation. 
  • The Technology & Commercialization Strategy team at FedTech works at the forefront of technology, innovation, and intellectual property in universities and federal laboratories to harness the power of technology and enable a strong impact on industry and society. The Technology & Commercialization Strategy team is responsible for a broad range of project deliverables including identifying technologies and companies for FedTech’s venture creation and accelerator programs, consulting on technology transfer operations within other select institutions, and more specific to this role providing customized products and advisory services to small businesses developing advanced technology. 

What you’ll do:

As the Defense Commercialization Advisory Lead on the Technology & Commercialization Strategy team, you will lead innovation-focused advisory engagements designed to support emerging technologies and dual-use ventures. You’ll work closely with startups, DoD stakeholders, and subject matter experts to deliver strategic insights and commercialization pathways that bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and real-world deployment in defense and commercial sectors. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in government innovation, military strategy, and experience advising businesses on R&D and go-to-market strategy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage strategic advisory engagements with early-stage companies, overseeing technical due diligence, commercialization planning, and go-to-market strategy.
  • Coordinate and manage cross-functional teams, including subject matter experts, military advisors, and innovation stakeholders, to ensure program alignment and execution.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with government clients, defense contractors, startups, and technical advisors to drive program success and long-term partnerships.
  • Oversee program budgets, track expenses, and manage invoicing in collaboration with finance and operations teams to ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility.
  • Synthesize technical and market research into clear, actionable recommendations and deliverables, including pitch deck feedback, roadmap creation, and strategic reports.
  • Communicate complex technology concepts and program updates to internal and external stakeholders through presentations, reports, and briefings.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve internal processes, workflows, and documentation to enhance program impact and efficiency.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree (Masters/MBA is a plus)
  • 5+ years of full-time professional experience, ideally in innovation consulting, defense technology, or startup strategy.
  • Experience working with the Department of Defense, federal innovation programs, or within a defense contractor or military innovation unit.
  • Demonstrated experience advising or mentoring early-stage companies, especially in deep tech or dual-use spaces.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and client-facing deliverables, with a track record of program ownership and leadership.
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Familiarity with the U.S. government’s non-dilutive funding ecosystem, including SBIR/STTR, OTA, or CRADA mechanisms.
  • Ability to work on short turnaround times and meet strict deadlines. 
  • Proactive, solutions-oriented approach with a strong ability to work independently and drive projects forward.

Our Values:

  • Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
  • Unity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
  • Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
  • Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first
  • Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation: 

  • Base salary range: $92 -108k 
    • The salary range listed for this position is based on market data and internal compensation structure. The final compensation package will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills and education. This range is not a guarantee of compensation, and offers may fall outside this range in exceptional cases.
  • Ability to earn upside bonus and equity, rapid career progression
  • A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, accrued PTO, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation, wellness reimbursements, flexible work arrangements, amongst others.

Travel: Ability and willingness to travel domestically up to 5% of the time.

Location: We are open to candidates from Arlington (VA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA) OR Los Angeles (CA). Relocation reimbursement may be available if needed.

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