Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Arlington, VA
Full Time
Mid Level

Job Description

If you're passionate about driving the success of groundbreaking innovation programs - we’d love to connect!

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 supported over 1,000 companies that have collectively raised more than $5B in funding, while also partnering with hundreds of corporate, government, and university clients.

What you’ll do:

You will lead the design, execution, and growth of accelerator programs that support technology commercialization, venture creation, and strategic partnerships across the defense, homeland security, and dual-use innovation ecosystem. Ideal candidate would bring a strong program management background, thrive in fast-paced environments, and can build trusted relationships across government, industry, startups, and research organizations. This position requires a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to manage complex, multi-phase initiatives from strategy through execution.

Typical functions include:

  • Lead and execute multi-phase accelerator and commercialization programs supporting defense, homeland security, and dual-use innovation sponsors.
  • Source, evaluate, and transition emerging technologies from federal labs, research institutions, startups, and international partners into commercialization and mission-driven opportunities.
  • Build and manage relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, venture, and innovation ecosystems to align program outcomes with mission priorities.
  • Advise participating startups and technology teams on government funding pathways, procurement processes, small business programs, and commercialization strategies.
  • Plan and host demo days, technology showcases, pitch competitions, testing events, and stakeholder engagements that connect ventures with end-users, acquisition leaders, and technical evaluators.
  • Track and communicate program performance metrics, including venture progress, commercialization milestones, stakeholder engagement, and ROI to sponsors and leadership teams.
  • Support operational execution through management of timelines, deliverables, budgets, reporting, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Represent FedTech at industry events, government forums, conferences, and partner engagements to strengthen organizational visibility and business development efforts.
  • Contribute to evolving organizational priorities by supporting new initiatives, strategic projects, and process improvements as needed

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience supporting defense innovation, technology commercialization, venture programs, or entrepreneurship initiatives, particularly within or alongside government organizations.
  • Familiarity with DoD, Navy, homeland security, or dual-use innovation ecosystems and related commercialization pathways.
  • Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across government, startups, industry, and research communities.
  • Demonstrated program or project management experience overseeing complex initiatives, coordinating multiple workstreams, and managing events or deliverables in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to facilitate meetings and convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Analytical and detail-oriented, with experience using data and reporting to support decision-making and program success.
  • Comfortable using collaboration and productivity tools such as Google Workspace, Airtable, Slack, Beautiful.ai, Forecast, and similar platforms.
  • Highly organized, adaptable, and self-driven, with an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership in a dynamic environment.

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: $92-110k
    • 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.
  • In addition to the base salary, compensation includes performance based bonus (OTE) and ability to earn equity 
  • A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, accrued PTO, professional development funds, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation and wellness reimbursements, amongst others.

Location: 

  • Open to candidates in Arlington (VA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Los Angeles (CA), and Huntsville (AL)
  • Hybrid in Arlington, Austin & Boston; remote in Los Angeles and Huntsville. 
Travel: 10-20% based on business needs
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