1

Open Innovation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Innovation Advancement Team is a centralized group focused on driving firm-wide initiatives ... opening, and subscription documentation, compliance process, and CRM data management. * Strong ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Open Innovation information

What are the dark sides of open innovation?

Open innovation roles involve managing intellectual property risks, as sharing ideas externally can lead to potential leaks or misuse. Additionally, collaboration across organizations may create conflicts of interest, and employees might face increased pressure to innovate rapidly, leading to burnout or ethical dilemmas.

What is an Open Innovation job?

An Open Innovation job focuses on collaboration between companies, researchers, startups, and other external partners to drive innovation. Professionals in this role scout new technologies, manage partnerships, and develop strategies to bring external ideas into the company. They facilitate knowledge-sharing, oversee co-development projects, and enhance innovation efficiency. The goal is to accelerate product development, improve problem-solving, and create competitive advantages through external collaboration.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in an Open Innovation role?

A typical day for someone working in Open Innovation involves identifying and evaluating external ideas, technologies, or startups that align with the organization's strategic goals. You might spend time coordinating cross-functional workshops, engaging with industry partners, or managing pilot projects to test new solutions. Collaboration is central to the role—you'll regularly interact with internal teams such as R&D, marketing, and product development, as well as with external partners. The work environment is often dynamic and fast-paced, making adaptability and strong networking skills crucial for success.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

In the field of open innovation, high-earning roles such as chief innovation officers, venture capitalists, and successful startup founders can earn over $1 million annually through salaries, bonuses, and equity. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong networks, and skills in strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, and industry expertise.

What does open innovation do?

Open innovation involves collaborating with external partners, such as startups, universities, or other organizations, to develop new ideas, products, or technologies. It enables companies to access diverse expertise and accelerate innovation processes by sharing knowledge and resources. Professionals in this field often work with innovation management tools and cross-disciplinary teams to implement effective strategies.

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

To thrive in an Open Innovation role, you need a deep understanding of innovation management, strong analytical abilities, and expertise in facilitating cross-organizational collaboration, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with innovation platforms, intellectual property management tools, and project management software is commonly required. Excellent communication, creative problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills help you stand out in this position. These capabilities are vital for driving external partnerships, uncovering new ideas, and successfully integrating outside innovations into the organization's strategy.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Open Innovation roles that focus on strategic collaboration, creativity, and complex problem-solving are likely to persist as AI automates routine tasks. Jobs requiring emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and human judgment—such as R&D managers, innovation strategists, and product development specialists—are less susceptible to automation. These positions often involve managing cross-disciplinary teams and fostering new ideas, making them more resilient in an AI-driven workplace.
What are the most commonly searched types of Open Innovation jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Open Innovation jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Open Innovation jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Open Innovation jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Open Innovation job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Project Lead, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Project Lead, Defense & Commercial Innovation

FedTech

Arlington, VA • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 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 support the management and execution of defense innovation programs, helping connect government, entrepreneurs, and partners to advance new technologies. This role focuses on assisting with program operations, coordinating stakeholders, and contributing to the smooth delivery of workshops, events, and program initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support the execution of defense innovation programs from planning through delivery.
  • Drive program success by recruiting entrepreneurs and startups through creative outreach, hosting workshops/events, coaching founders, and onboarding advisors.
  • Manage detailed project plans, ensuring organization, timeliness, and quality in all program execution.
  • Track program budgets, expenses, and reporting to support accountability and transparency.
  • Design and prepare presentations, reports, and content using tools such as PowerPoint, Beautiful.ai, and Canva.
  • Coordinate and execute the backend of workshops, webinars, and ecosystem events using platforms like Zoom.
  • Manage client engagements, including scheduling, agenda preparation, note-taking, and follow-up actions.
  • Actively engage with the innovation ecosystem in the region - connecting with companies, customers, advisors, and investors and integrating them into FedTech activities.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to align program efforts and strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders.
  • Support evolving program and organizational needs by taking initiative on new projects and responsibilities as they arise.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • 2+ years experience in innovation programs, startup accelerators, venture creation, or entrepreneurship support organizations.
  • Familiarity with DOD/Navy innovation initiatives or early-stage technology ventures.
  • Strong project management skills, including budget tracking and multi-workstream coordination.
  • Proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools, including Excel, Google Suite, Airtable, Forecast, PowerPoint, Beautiful.ai, Canva, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
  • Skilled in stakeholder engagement and relationship-building across diverse groups.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation design and client-facing communication.
  • Experience planning and managing virtual events or workshops.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven, with a focus on testing, measuring, and iterating to improve outcomes.
  • Adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to take initiative and drive projects forward.

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: $70-90k
    • 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:

  • Open to candidates in Arlington (VA), Austi (TX) and Boston (MA)
  • Hybrid (2-3 days onsite, the rest of the week remote)

Travel: 5% based on business needs

Powered by JazzHR

3funMcncRU