Defense Tech Program Manager: Testing & Validation

ULSA University of Louisville; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Louisville is seeking a Research Projects Program Manager with a specialty in operational technology testing and validation. You will plan, coordinate, and execute testing experiences in support of the Department of War, developing event scenarios and assigning team roles to ensure delivery of program objectives.

This is grant-funded through August 15, 2027, with eligibility for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Defense Studies, Systems Engineering, or Operations Management.
• Four years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for DoD sponsors and stakeholders.
• Design, plan, and execute technology testing events, field exercises, and validation experiences that simulate real-world operational conditions relevant to defense priorities.
• Coordinate with military stakeholders, technical subject matter experts, academic partners, and industry participants to develop realistic test scenarios, success criteria, and evaluation frameworks.
• Oversee project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to ensure milestones and deliverables are met.
• Assign roles and responsibilities to project staff and ensure clear communication across all functional areas.
• Manage logistics and operational execution for field demonstrations, prototype testing, and technology assessment events, including site coordination, scheduling, resource allocation, equipment support, and vendor readiness.
• Excellent communication skills are required, interacting with personnel across academic, industry, defense, and federal funding landscapes.
• Track participant progress, testing outcomes, technology performance metrics, and program impact; collect data to generate reports and demonstrate outcomes aligned with SOW requirements.
• Develop after-action reports, lessons learned, and recommendations for technology refinement, follow-on funding opportunities, and transition pathways into defense acquisition or pilot programs.

Education

Master's degree in Engineering, Defense Studies, Systems Engineering, Operations Management

Job description

The University of Louisville is seeking a Research Projects Program Manager with a specialty in operational technology testing and validation. You will plan, coordinate, and execute testing experiences in support of the Department of War, developing event scenarios and assigning team roles to ensure delivery of program objectives.

This is grant-funded through August 15, 2027, with eligibility for security clearance.