Defense Tech Programs Manager: Field Testing & Validation

University-of-Louisville; Louisville (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Louisville is seeking a Research Projects Program Manager to lead operational technology testing and validation activities for DoD-related research. You will oversee event design, scenario development, and team coordination across military, academic, and industry partners to ensure successful demonstrations and evaluations.

Responsibilities include planning field exercises, managing logistics, collecting data, and delivering reports with measurable outcomes aligned to the grant

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct program management or defense technology testing experience.
• Experience coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders and vendors.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute technology testing events and validation experiences.
• Coordinate with military, academic, industry partners to develop test scenarios and evaluation criteria.
• Manage logistics, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet milestones.
• Assign roles, monitor progress, and ensure delivery of program objectives.
• Develop after-action reports and lessons learned for future opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Communication skills

Operational testing

Data collection and analysis

Education

Master's degree in Engineering/Defense/Systems Engineering/Operations Management

Grade 12 (Salaried)

Job description

The University of Louisville is seeking a Research Projects Program Manager to lead operational technology testing and validation activities for DoD-related research. You will oversee event design, scenario development, and team coordination across military, academic, and industry partners to ensure successful demonstrations and evaluations.

Responsibilities include planning field exercises, managing logistics, collecting data, and delivering reports with measurable outcomes aligned to the grant