Small Business Exercise Program Manager

Overview Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Small Business Exercise Program Manager (SBIR) to support the Air Force Research Laboratory's SpaceWERX Office under the AFWERX program. In this critical role, you will lead the planning, coordination, and execution of technology exercises focused on small business innovations. You will work at the intersection of emerging technology and national defense, aligning DoD and U.S. Space Force mission needs with innovative solutions from the small business ecosystem. Success in this role requires strong program management expertise, effective stakeholder engagement, and the ability to guide technologies through structured evaluations, maturation, and transition pathways. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of innovation programs, small business engagement, and agile execution in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This is a remote position, open to candidates located anywhere within the continental United States (CONUS). Occasional travel, up to one week per month, is required.Responsibilities Design, plan, and manage comprehensive technology test and exercise events to validate, mature, and transition innovations developed by small businessesTranslate warfighter and mission needs into clear, measurable objectives, success criteria, and evaluation frameworks for technical demonstrationsLead end-to-end planning and execution of technology demonstrations, exercises, and assessments, ensuring alignment with operational goals, schedules, and program milestonesOversee exercise logistics, coordination, and risk management to ensure successful execution within time and resource constraintsServe as the primary liaison among SpaceWERX, small business performers, and external stakeholders, including Space Force program offices, Combatant Commands, and other DoD organizationsAssess small business technical capabilities and technology readiness, identifying alignment with DoD and Space Force mission gapsCoordinate across government, industry, and commercial partners to secure participation, align objectives, and optimize use of resourcesFacilitate collaboration to ensure shared understanding of requirements, expectations, and transition pathwaysAnalyze and document exercise outcomes to inform technology transition decisions, investment priorities, and acquisition strategiesDevelop clear, data-driven reports, briefings, and transition recommendations for senior leaders, program offices, and acquisition authoritiesSupport alignment of SBIR/STTR investments with SpaceWERX and Space Force strategic priorities to increase the likelihood of transition into programs of recordIdentify and recommend pathways to accelerate successful technologies from prototype to operational useBuild and sustain a collaborative innovation ecosystem of small businesses, acquisition professionals, test organizations, and operational end usersLead initiatives that reduce technical and programmatic risk while enhancing commercial viability and operational relevancePromote delivery of dual-use technologies that support both national security missions and commercial marketsResponsibilities – Skills and Experience Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility5+ years of experience in program management, test coordination, technology transition, or related roles—preferably within defense, government, or innovation ecosystemsDemonstrated experience engaging with small businesses and aligning innovative technologies to DoD requirementsStrong working knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, technology maturation pathways, and test and evaluation principlesProven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder programs with limited resources and evolving objectivesExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to brief both technical and executive audiencesPrior experience supporting or working within DoD programs or government contractsMilitary backgroundFamiliarity with Air Force and Space Force test and evaluation processes and proceduresPrior experience leading or supporting SBIR/STTR efforts, or working with SpaceWERX/AFWERXKnowledge of space-related mission areas and technologies, such as Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT), Electronic Warfare (EW), satellite systems, or space domain operationsEducation and Certifications Required — Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Program Management, or related field; or Bachelor's with proven experience in the job requirementsPreferred — Master's degree (MBA preferred)Benefits Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insuranceFlexible Spending Accounts401(k)PTOPaid Parental LeaveTuition reimbursementPaid federal holidaysSecurity Clearance Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.Physical Requirements Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.Company Summary Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services. We have over 30 years of experience serving federal and commercial markets with projects worldwide. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer..#J-18808-Ljbffr