Program Manager - Air Force Special Programs

Blue Sky Innovators; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

401k contribution

Job summary

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a Program Manager to support Air Force Special Programs within SAF/AQL at the Pentagon. You will drive acquisition, integration, and execution of advanced capabilities across air and space domains, reporting to senior decision-makers.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in DoD acquisition, strong systems engineering background, and active TS/SCI clearance. This full-time onsite role offers a highly visible, mission-driven environment at a premier national security

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of Department of Defense experience with defense acquisition.
• 5 years supporting Special Access Programs (SAPs).
• Experience managing complex acquisition or advanced technology programs.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with SCI eligibility and full-time onsite work.

Responsibilities

• Program execution across AF Special Programs, aligning with mission priorities, schedule and budget.
• Acquisition & integration planning and execution from concept to fielding.
• Develop and implement test & evaluation strategies for advanced technologies.
• Provide SAP oversight, ensuring DoD policy compliance and safeguarding information.
• Engage stakeholders across government, industry, and interagency partners to drive success.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies and communicate to leadership.
• Lead and mentor junior personnel to foster a high-performing team.

Skills

Defense acquisition

Systems engineering

SAPs

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in Engineering or Physics

Job description

Program Manager - Air Force Special Programs

Pentagon, VA

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a highly capableProgram Managerto supportAir Force Special Programs within SAF/AQLat the Pentagon. This position places you at the center of the Department of the Air Force’s most sensitive and strategically important efforts—driving acquisition, integration, and execution of advanced capabilities across air and space domains.

The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation indefense acquisition, systems engineering, and Special Access Programs (SAPs), with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment supporting senior decision-makers. This is a unique opportunity to influence next-generation capabilities critical to national security.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Execution:Support management of a diverse portfolio of Air Force Special Programs, ensuring alignment with mission priorities, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Acquisition & Integration:Assist in planning, development, and execution of complex acquisition programs from concept through fielding.
• Test & Evaluation Strategy:Develop and implement approaches for testing advanced technologies, ensuring operational effectiveness, reliability, and security.
• SAP Oversight:Provide programmatic and technical support to Special Access Programs, ensuring compliance with DoD policies and safeguarding sensitive information.
• Space & Advanced Systems Advisory:Offer informed recommendations on space acquisition initiatives and emerging technologies impacting air and space superiority.
• Stakeholder Engagement:Collaborate across government, industry, and interagency partners to drive program success and maintain alignment.
• Risk Management:Identify program risks and develop mitigation strategies, communicating status and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Leadership & Mentorship:Provide guidance to junior personnel and contribute to a high-performing, mission-focused team culture.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree inEngineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• Minimum10+ years of Department of Defense experiencewith a strong understanding of defense acquisition processes
• At least5 years of direct experience supporting Special Access Programs (SAPs)
• Demonstrated experience managing or supportingcomplex acquisition or advanced technology programs
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (TS/SCI)
• Ability to work full-time onsite

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience withDepartment of the Air Force or Space Force acquisition organizations
• Background inspace acquisition or advanced aerospace systems
• Familiarity withtest & evaluation frameworks and systems engineering processes
• Prior experience supportingMAJCOM, Headquarters Air Force, or OSD-level organizations

Why Blue Sky Innovators?

At Blue Sky Innovators, we bring together elite operators, engineers, and acquisition professionals to solve the nation’s toughest defense challenges. Our team operates at the highest levels of the Department of Defense—delivering impactful solutions across advanced air, space, and cyber domains.

You’ll work side‑by‑side with senior leaders, influence critical national security decisions, and help deliver the next generation of capabilities that ensure U.S. dominance in contested environments.

The salary range for this position is $180,000-$230,000 per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge. We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at [e-mail] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.