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Sofwerx Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

You've led complex, multi-stakeholder programs for a decade or more, including at least five years inside or alongside the defense innovation ecosystem (DIU, NSIN, DARPA, SOFWERX, national labs, or ...

Program Manager - Hacking for Defense

Arlington, VA · On-site

$148K - $180K/yr

You've led complex, multi-stakeholder programs for a decade or more, including at least five years inside or alongside the defense innovation ecosystem (DIU, NSIN, DARPA, SOFWERX, national labs, or ...

Program Manager - Hacking for Defense

Arlington, VA · On-site

$148K - $180K/yr

You've led complex, multi-stakeholder programs for a decade or more, including at least five years inside or alongside the defense innovation ecosystem (DIU, NSIN, DARPA, SOFWERX, national labs, or ...

Sofwerx information

What is SOFWERX?

SOFWERX is an innovation platform that facilitates collaboration between the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), industry, academia, and non-traditional partners. Its primary goal is to solve challenging problems faced by Special Operations Forces by rapidly prototyping and integrating advanced technologies. SOFWERX hosts events, workshops, and challenges to bring together diverse expertise and foster open innovation. It acts as a neutral intermediary, making it easier for new partners to engage with the Department of Defense. Through SOFWERX, innovative solutions can be identified, developed, and quickly transitioned to the field.

What types of projects do team members typically work on at SOFWERX, and how does cross-functional collaboration influence daily responsibilities?

At SOFWERX, team members often engage in innovative defense and technology projects that require rapid prototyping, problem-solving, and close collaboration with both military stakeholders and industry partners. The work environment is highly interdisciplinary, with engineers, designers, and project managers working together to tackle unique challenges in support of special operations forces. Daily responsibilities often include participating in design sprints, conducting technical reviews, and facilitating workshops to gather user feedback. Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, enabling staff to learn from diverse perspectives and contribute to impactful solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at SOFWERX, and why are they important?

To thrive at SOFWERX, professionals typically need a background in engineering, project management, or innovation strategy, often supported by relevant degrees or military experience. Familiarity with prototyping tools, collaboration platforms, and agile methodologies is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and communication skills help individuals navigate rapid innovation cycles and work effectively with diverse teams. These skills are crucial for driving successful outcomes in SOFWERX's fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on defense innovation.

What is the difference between Sofwerx vs Software Engineer?

AspectSofwerxSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, technical certificationsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense projects, R&D labsTech companies, startups, corporate IT departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and government sectorsBroad industry including tech, finance, healthcare
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on security, defense projectsFocus on software development, coding skills

While Sofwerx specializes in defense-related projects requiring security clearances and working within government environments, Software Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining software across various industries. The roles differ mainly in credentials, work setting, and industry focus, making each suited to different career paths within the tech and defense sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Sofwerx jobs in Virginia?

For Sofwerx jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Sofwerx jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Sofwerx job openings:

Infographic showing various Sofwerx job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Internship, and 58% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution.

Business Development Director & SME - OTAs, CSOs & SBIRs

Socket.dev

Reston, VA • On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

SAIC is seeking a high-caliber Business Development Director and Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep, demonstrated expertise across Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), and Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. This role serves as the enterprise quarterback for all alternative acquisition pathways, owning strategic positioning, pipeline development, and win strategies across major OTA Consortia (e.g., Cornerstone, NSTXL, C5, SOSSEC), Direct Mission Partners (e.g., DIU, AFWERX, NavalX, Army RCCTO), and SBIR/STTR program offices across all military branches.

In this dual-hatted role, you will act as both a strategic pipeline developer and the corporate authority on non-traditional acquisition compliance, guiding capture, proposal structure, and pricing strategy through the unique rules of engagement for each alternative contracting vehicle.

Key ResponsibilitiesPipeline Development & Shaping

Identify and qualify high-value opportunities ($10M–$100M+) across defense portals, consortium platforms, SBIR.gov, and innovation cells, shaping requirements pre-solicitation through direct engagement with Agreements Officers (AOs), Program Managers (PMs), and SBIR program managers. Lead capture for OTA, CSO, and SBIR/STTR pursuits by developing compelling win themes, pricing strategies, and value propositions that emphasize rapid capability deployment and technical superiority. Track and report pipeline metrics, win rates, and portfolio performance to senior leadership on a regular cadence.

Mission Partner & Consortium Engagement

Serve as the primary corporate representative to Consortium Management Organizations (CMOs), coordinating joint responses, white papers, and pitches across major DoD OTA consortia. Build and execute targeted growth campaigns with DIU, AFWERX, SOFWERX, Space RCO, NSTXL, MCSC, and RCCTO. Develop SBIR/STTR pursuit strategies across Phase I, II, and III, leveraging Phase III sole-source authority to drive follow-on production growth. Build and maintain teaming ecosystems with non-traditional defense contractors (NDCs), startups, academic institutions, and small businesses.

Subject Matter Expertise & Compliance Advisory

Serve as the enterprise SME on 10 U.S.C. § 4021 (Research OTA), 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (Prototype/Production OTA), CSO guidelines, and 15 U.S.C. § 638 (SBIR/STTR). Advise capture and proposal teams on NDC participation requirements, IP and data rights negotiations, 1/3rd cost-sharing rules, and SBIR data rights protections. Architect transition plans from prototype OTAs to Follow-on Production OTAs (10 U.S.C. § 4022(f)), SBIR Phase III sole-source awards, or FAR-based production contracts. Develop internal SOPs, playbooks, and training materials while monitoring and communicating legislative and regulatory changes to leadership. Deliver executive-level briefings on policy changes, budget allocations, and competitive dynamics across the non-traditional acquisition space.

Core Competencies
  • Strategic Thinking — the ability to align OTA, CSO, and SBIR opportunities with corporate growth strategy and long-term positioning.
  • Regulatory Mastery — a deep command of OTA, CSO, and SBIR/STTR statutory frameworks and compliance requirements.
  • Relationship Management — the ability to build trusted, enduring relationships with government customers, consortium partners, and SBIR program offices.
  • Analytical Skills — the capacity to evaluate opportunity viability, risk, and return on investment across all alternative acquisition vehicles.
  • Collaboration — the ability to lead and influence matrixed teams across business development, contracts, legal, and program management without formal authority.
  • Communication — the ability to clearly articulate complex acquisition concepts to diverse audiences ranging from engineers to C-suite executives.
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset — a drive to pursue creative, non-traditional approaches to pipeline development in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Cultural & Leadership Fit

The ideal candidate thrives in a highly dynamic, fast-paced environment where procedures are flexible and customized strategies are required for each pursuit. They are a natural cross-functional influencer, capable of building consensus and guiding matrixed teams — including contracts, legal, pricing, and technical engineering — without formal organizational authority. They are a compelling communicator with outstanding executive-level presentation skills, comfortable delivering pitch decks, white papers, and oral presentations to high-ranking military and civilian government customers.

SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit newsroom.

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