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Defense Innovation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Defense Innovation Unit

Technical Program Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$148.40K - $192.10K/yr

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is a Department of War (DoW) organization focused exclusively on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology throughout the military and growing the national ...

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How much do defense innovation jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense innovation in the United States is $97,583.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Defense Innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Defense Innovation, you need expertise in systems engineering, technology development, and analytical problem-solving, often supported by a background in STEM fields and experience with defense protocols. Familiarity with project management tools, rapid prototyping platforms, and relevant security clearances is typically required. Strong collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking are critical soft skills to excel in this evolving landscape. These competencies are essential for driving technological advancements and delivering effective solutions to complex defense challenges.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Defense Innovation roles?

Professionals in Defense Innovation often navigate the complex intersection of military needs, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements. One common challenge is balancing the rapid pace of technological change with lengthy procurement and approval processes. Additionally, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, military personnel, and government stakeholders—requires strong communication and adaptability. Navigating security protocols and maintaining confidentiality while fostering innovation can also be demanding, making flexibility and creative problem-solving essential for success.

What is Defense Innovation?

Defense innovation refers to the development and application of new technologies, strategies, and processes within the defense sector to enhance national security and military effectiveness. It involves adapting cutting-edge advancements—such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems—to address evolving threats and challenges. Defense innovation is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, improving operational capabilities, and ensuring that military organizations can effectively respond to current and future security needs.

What is the difference between Defense Innovation vs Defense Analyst?

AspectDefense Innovation

AspectDefense Innovation

Defense Innovation focuses on developing new technologies and strategies to enhance national security, often involving research, prototyping, and collaboration with tech firms. Defense Analysts evaluate existing defense programs, analyze military data, and provide strategic insights. While both roles support defense objectives, Defense Innovation emphasizes creating future solutions, whereas Defense Analysts focus on assessing current systems. Candidates often need similar security clearances and technical backgrounds, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Defense Innovation jobs? Cities with the most Defense Innovation job openings:
What states have the most Defense Innovation jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Innovation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Defense Innovation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Innovation jobs are:
Defense Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Innovation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,583 per year, or $46.9 per hour.
Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

FedTech

Austin, TX • On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Description
If you're passionate about driving the success of groundbreaking innovation programs - we'd love to connect!
Who we are:
  • FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology.
  • We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world, aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world.
  • We are venture builders who 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 own the planning and execution of initiatives that support technology commercialization, acceleration, and venture creation, with a primary focus on Navy innovation and the broader defense innovation ecosystem. The role is accountable for managing complex, multi-phased programs end-to-end, from planning through delivery. You will help strengthen FedTech's presence across the Austin defense innovation community.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead day-to-day execution and operational coordination of defense innovation, commercialization, and venture creation programs from planning through delivery.
  • Drive program growth and ecosystem engagement by recruiting entrepreneurs, startups, advisors, and strategic partners through creative outreach, networking, workshops, and events.
  • Support business development efforts through relationship-building and active engagement with defense and startup stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain relationships within the Austin defense innovation ecosystem, including startups, military stakeholders, investors, accelerators, universities, and strategic partners.
  • Represent FedTech at ecosystem, startup, university, and defense innovation events to strengthen regional partnerships and expand organizational visibility.
  • Manage detailed project plans, ensuring organization, timeliness, accountability, and high-quality execution across multiple workstreams.
  • Track program budgets, expenses, reporting, and project-level financials to support transparency and operational effectiveness.
  • Design and prepare presentations, reports, and content using tools such as PowerPoint, Beautiful.ai, and Canva.
  • Coordinate and execute the backend logistics of workshops, webinars, ecosystem events, and client engagements using platforms such as Zoom.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to align program efforts, strengthen client relationships, and support organizational priorities.
  • Support evolving program and organizational needs by taking initiative on new projects and responsibilities as needed.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in relevant industries, including innovation programs, studio/accelerator programs, entrepreneurship, consulting, business development, defense innovation, or entrepreneurial support organizations
    • Military experience strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with the Austin startup and defense innovation ecosystem
  • Strong client relationship management skills, with expertise in engaging diverse stakeholders and aligning program design with client and project objectives.
  • Proven program management ability, including oversight of project-level finances, coordination of multi-phase initiatives, and organization of events in fast-paced environments.
  • P&L and budget management experience, leveraging financial oversight to optimize resources and drive organizational impact
  • Effective communicator, experienced in leading meetings and delivering presentations on complex topics.
  • Analytical and data-driven, using insights to support projects and inform decision-making.
  • Hands-on experience with productivity and collaboration tools, including Google Suite (Sheets/Excel), Airtable, Slack, Beautiful.ai, and Forecast, with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new platforms.

Our Values:
  • Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
  • Unity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
  • Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
  • Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first
  • Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation:
  • Base salary range: $92-110k
    • The salary range listed for this position is based on market data and internal compensation structure. The final compensation package will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills and education. This range is not a guarantee of compensation and offers may fall outside this range in exceptional cases.
  • In addition to the base salary, compensation includes performance-based bonus (OTE) and ability to earn equity
  • A competitive benefits package including 401K 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: Austin, TX (Hybrid: 2 days onsite at our Austin office, 3 days remote)
Travel: 10-20% based on business needs

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