Program Manager - Air Force Special Programs

Socket.dev; 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, Inc. is seeking a highly capable Program Manager to support Air Force Special Programs within SAF/AQL at the Pentagon.

The role centers on acquisition, integration, and execution of advanced capabilities across air and space domains. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in defense acquisition, systems engineering, and SAPs, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment supporting senior decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Proven analytical, organizational, and communication abilities.
• Ability to lead and mentor in a high-visibility defense program.
• Experience coordinating across multiple agencies and layers of management.

Responsibilities

• Program Execution: Support management of Air Force Special Programs portfolio.
• Acquisition & Integration: Plan, develop, and execute complex acquisition programs.
• Test & Evaluation Strategy: Develop approaches for testing advanced technologies.

Skills

Strong analytical

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Advanced degree in Engineering or Physics

Job description

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a highly capable Program Manager to support Air Force Special Programs within SAF/AQL at 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 in defense 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 in Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• Minimum 10+ years of Department of Defense experience with a strong understanding of defense acquisition processes
• At least 5 years of direct experience supporting Special Access Programs (SAPs)
• Demonstrated experience managing or supporting complex 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 with Department of the Air Force or Space Force acquisition organizations
• Background in space acquisition or advanced aerospace systems
• Familiarity with test & evaluation frameworks and systems engineering processes
• Prior experience supporting MAJCOM, Headquarters Air Force, or OSD-level organizations
• PMP certification or equivalent program management credential

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.