Small Business Exercise Program Manager Security Clearance

Position: Small Business Exercise Program Manager with Security Clearance
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 Space

WERX 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 Space

WERX, 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 Space

WERX 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 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 Space

WERX/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…