Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Who we are

We are FedTech, a group of entrepreneurially minded individuals dedicated to unlocking the benefits of technology. Our mission is to democratize access to deep tech for entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide. We 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 candidates should bring a strong program management background, thrive in fast-paced environments, and build trusted relationships across government, industry, startups, and research organizations. This role requires a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to manage complex, multi-phase initiatives from strategy through execution.

• 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.

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.

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary range of $92-110k, a performance-based bonus (OTE), and the opportunity to earn equity. A competitive benefits package includes a 401(k) 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

The position is open to candidates in Arlington (VA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Los Angeles (CA), and Huntsville (AL). Positions are hybrid in Arlington, Austin, and Boston; remote in Los Angeles and Huntsville.