Small Business Exercise Program Manager

Galapagos

1d•$140,000 - $180,000•Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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
Master’s degree (MBA preferred)

Responsibilities

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