Small Business Exercise Program Manager

Overview

Job Summary

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 Department of Defense (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.

Key Responsibilities

The Small Business Exercise Program Manager will:

• 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

Responsibilities

Skills and Experience

The Small Business Exercise Program Manager must have:

• 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

Education and Certifications

The Small Business Exercise Program Manager must meet the following:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Program Management, or related field; or Bachelor's with proven experience in the job requirements

Preferred

• Master's degree (MBA preferred)

Benefits

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

Security Clearance

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.

Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."

Company Employment Statement

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.

Posted Salary Range

USD $140,000.00 - USD $180,000.00 /Yr.