About You: You are an experienced Program Manager with a passion for science and technology, and a demonstrated ability to build collaborative teams of academia and government laboratory researchers to address the Department of War's (DoW's) operational challenges. You understand the importance of applying transdisciplinary approaches to tackling these challenges and the need for early and frequent engagement with operators, industry, and DoW stakeholders.
Position Overview & Responsibilities: The Program Manager, Translational Research Initiatives will lead the development and execution of a new program on Translational Research Initiatives for a new-DoW sponsored S&T Center planned for the Fall of 2026. This program will foster collaborative academic/DoW laboratory research teams to address the DoW's operational challenges. This position will also conduct workshops, forums, and analytics studies to define the challenges and conduct community-building activities, to connect the teams to public and private transition partners, and to coordinate research activities with approved allied partners. The ideal candidate has experience in a broad range of scientific topics and technologies, demonstrated scientific program management experience, and deep knowledge of the DoW innovation ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities: - Oversee and manage a translational research program for collaborative teaming between academia and government laboratory researchers to address the Department of War's (DoW's) operational challenges
- Conduct outreach activities to define research challenges
- Solicit and review white papers, shape team composition and technical direction, as needed during project execution
- Promote collaborative team dynamics through periodic site visits, reviews, and forums that connect teams to other performers, as well as public and private stakeholders
- Connect results to partners for transition/evolution to solutions
- Leverage deep expertise in the DoW innovation ecosystem to identify and develop partnerships across academia, industry, and government agencies
This position is contingent upon contract award, with performance anticipated to begin on or about September 1st, 2026 Required Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities: - Master's degree or higher in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and math)
- 10+ years• experience in managing and executing foundational research programs for the DoW
- Leadership positions in DoW research laboratories
- Experience in forming research teams across academia and DoW research laboratories
- Experience in developing strategies for technology transition to government and industry
- Technical experience over a broad range of scientific topics and technologies, especially mathematics, materials, quantum, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, and space
- Demonstrated experience in managing multi-million-dollar budgets
- Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, critical thinking, and communication skills to ensure clear, accurate information and effective collaboration
- Strong commercial and technology awareness with the ability to identify and develop opportunities, especially in the Federal government space
Desired Education, Certification, Skills, and Capabilities: - PhD degree or higher in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and math)
- Experience in role of technical advisor, chief, or director for DoW R&D programs
- Experience leading dual-use technology development
- Demonstrated experience in engagements with deep-tech industry to transition technology
- Excellent interpersonal skills, working both independently with initiative and collaboratively.
- Manage and prioritize diverse job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
- Excellent organizational skills, flexibility, and attention to detail.
Primary Work Location: Work will be performed in Arlington, VA, with the option for remote work in accordance with the Hybrid Work & Telecommuting Policy and based on mission requirements.
Security: Special Work Conditions: - Possible travel to other CONUS locations.
- Occasional work outside of corporate core business hours.
Salary Range: $190,000 - $200,000 annually
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation: VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech's multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.
To learn more about VT-ARC's Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/ 
