Innovation Project Manager

Defensewerx; Vicksburg (MS); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Defensewerx, headquartered in the United States, seeks an Innovation Project Manager to connect ERDC, industry, academia, and government to speed tech transitions. You will cultivate relationships, manage innovation projects, and support IP commercialization, reimbursable services, and tech transfer across ERDC labs.

The role requires 3–5 years in project management, familiarity with federal contracting and CRM tools like HubSpot. Expect 15–20% travel and hybrid work options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, or management or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of innovation-focused project management experience.
• Understanding of federal contracting, tech transfer, and IP basics.
• Proficiency with HubSpot and Submittable CRM/database tools.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate opportunities that support ERDC ORTT, labs, and entities.
• Develop expertise in EWX capabilities and partnership tools.
• Engage stakeholders; manage outreach and communications strategies.
• Support IP commercialization and reimbursable service efforts.
• Plan projects with Hubspot/Submittable; track deliverables.
• Represent DWX at events and assist in cross‑functional collaboration.

Skills

Project management

Public speaking

Process improvement

Team facilitation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HubSpot

Submittable

Microsoft Office

Job description

ERDCWERX - DEFENSEWERX is a neutral facilitator and trusted counselor, connecting a national network of individuals, businesses, educators and government organizations to enable creative and integrated solutions for our Department of War (DOW) customers. Located in Vicksburg MS, ERDCWERX (EWX) operates in direct partnership with the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and its seven labs. EWX offers onsite and remote worksite options with emphasis on the direct support of ERDC’s labs in Illinois, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Mississippi.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Senior Innovation Project Manager, the Innovation Project Manager serves as a strategic connector between the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), industry, academia, and government stakeholders to accelerate the transition of innovative technologies and ideas into impactful solutions.

This role is responsible for cultivating relationships, managing innovation-focused projects and outreach initiatives, and supporting efforts that advance ERDC research, testing and evaluation activities, acquisition opportunities, reimbursable services, and intellectual property commercialization.

The Innovation Project Manager works across a diverse portfolio of projects, engaging innovators, businesses, universities, and key partner organizations to identify opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive successful project outcomes. Successful candidates are proactive relationship builders who thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about advancing innovation from concept to impact.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with EWX team members to develop, coordinate, and advance project opportunities that support the ERDC Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT), ERDC laboratories, and other ERDC entities
• Develop and maintain expertise in the capabilities afforded EWX through the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA)
• Introduce EWX tools and capabilities; familiarize ERDC and other stakeholders regarding optimal opportunities to engage EWX
• Maintain knowledge of ERDC strategic plans and objectives pertaining to technology transfer and transition
• Cultivate and apply knowledge of ERDC lab team members, capabilities, and priorities
• Demonstrate proficiency in government acquisition and collaboration methods including FAR, OTA/BOTAA, and Broad Agency Announcement
• Advise stakeholders on government intellectual property (IP) patenting and licensing methods and goals
• Develop, organize, and execute targeted communication and promotion strategies to strengthen industry and academic engagement and advance ERDC collaboration objectives
• Provide timely response to inquiries from internal and external contacts regarding current and future project opportunities
• Support ERDC’s IP commercialization and reimbursable services strategies by contributing to the review and promotion of select ERDC technologies and capabilities
• Facilitate group sessions to support process mapping, project planning, and other objectives
• Plan and coordinate project details and track important deliverables through the use of digital platforms including Hubspot and Submittable
• Conduct outreach through email, social media, phone, and in-person communication to share information and foster a network of entities likely to fit ERDC project plans
• Conduct market research to expand contact lists for the promotion of individual projects
• Represent EWX at conferences, industry events, briefings, and speaking engagements to strengthen partnerships and advance organizational objectives
• Make virtual and in-person presentations to various sized groups and events
• Contribute to the growth and success of EWX and DWX
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree required, preferably in engineering, science, business administration, and/or management or a combination of education and experience
• At least 3-5 years of experience in innovation-focused project management
• Demonstrated experience with project management, process improvement, team facilitation, public speaking, and problem-solving tools – preferably in support of innovation and in fast-paced environments
• Exhibit an understanding of federal government contracting, technology transfer and commercialization, technology business start-ups, product development, and investment options
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), CRM/database software (HubSpot, Submittable)
• Some travel required (15-20%)
• Occasionally assists with the movement of office supplies, materials, or equipment in support of on-site and off-site events.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the essential job required, management reserves the rights to modify, add, or remove duties from jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a security clearance or successfully obtain and maintain ITAR license
• Must not have any conflicts of interest affecting DWX or its partners
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Positive attitude and great work ethic
• Professional attitude with well-developed, pro-active interpersonal and communication skills required
• Must be able to multi-task, work independently, maintain focus, and be detail-oriented
• Requires excellent time management and organizational skills
• Requires technology savvy, quick learner, team player, and process improvement focused
• Must be willing and able to perform in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and drive results through collaboration
• Desire to serve, mentor, guide, and develop others and promote DWX core values and a positive working environment
• Possess a genuine passion for advancing the DWX mission and creating a sustainable and thriving organization

CONDITIONS OF WORK:

• Do whatever it takes to get the job done
• Be a servant leader willing to share credit and own accountability
• Be a part of a team
• Bring a growth mindset and be open to learning and coaching

DEFENSEWERX VALUES:

• Teamwork: Leverage our strengths to achieve our objectives
• Integrity: Honor commitments to all those we serve
• Excellence: Deliver clear and measurable outcomes aligned to program and partner objectives
• Empathy: Truly seek to understand and value others' place and position
• Innovation: Advance the art of the possible

Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. DEFENSEWERX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other nonmerit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact DEFENSEWERX directly.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the essential job required, management reserves the rights to modify, add, or remove duties from jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.