Transition Subject Matter Expert, TS/SCI

Blue Sky Innovators; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Sky Innovators is looking for a Transition Subject Matter Expert who will provide strategic insights and lead efforts in test and evaluation for future warfighting capabilities. Ideal candidates should have over 15 years of relevant experience and strong backgrounds in prototyping and technology transitions, preferably with the U.S. Air Force. The role involves collaborating with senior military leadership, ensuring prototypes meet operational needs, and possessing an active TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in technology transition or prototyping.
• Strong Test & Evaluation experience required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Support analysis and prioritization of warfighting capability needs.
• Lead development of transition strategies and technical maturation plans.
• Provide expert-level guidance on test planning and execution.

Skills

Test & Evaluation

Transition Strategies

Technical Leadership

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, science, operations, or related field

Master’s Degree in a relevant technical or operational discipline

Job description

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a highly skilled Transition Subject Matter Expert (SME) with deep experience in test and evaluation (T&E), prototype-to-program-of-record transition, and future warfighting capability development.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience supporting the Department of War (DoW), with a strong preference for those with U.S. Air Force operational, acquisition, or test background. This SME will contribute technical rigor, transition planning expertise, and high-level advisory support to senior government decision-makers.

Key Responsibilities

Capability Development & Transition

• Support the analysis, development, and prioritization of future warfighting capability needs across multiple mission areas.
• Lead development of transition strategies, technical maturation plans, and T&E‑informed risk reduction approaches to ensure prototypes are ready for entry into PoRs.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of technology readiness, integration feasibility, and mission alignment.

Test & Evaluation Leadership

• Provide expert-level guidance on test planning, execution, data analysis, and verification methodologies to ensure transition-ready performance.
• Develop or advise on Test & Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), developmental test events, operational field events, and integrated test strategies.
• Partner with test organizations such as DT/OT units, labs, ranges, and combined test forces to design robust, repeatable test campaigns that validate system maturity.
• Analyze test results to identify deficiencies, risks, and corrective actions required before PoR acceptance.

Technical & Strategic Engagement

• Lead and participate in technical interchange meetings, deep-dive working groups, engineering reviews, and senior-level briefings.
• Collaborate with engineers, operators, testers, and acquisition professionals across the DoD to ensure alignment of prototypes with operational use cases.
• Provide strategic insights for aligning technology investments with warfighter needs, service modernization roadmaps, and joint capability gaps.
• Deliver clear, data-driven recommendations to senior military leadership, enabling informed decision-making.

Cross-Service & Enterprise Integration

• Coordinate transition-related activities between multiple services, mission partners, and acquisition organizations.
• Support the development of integration architectures, capability delivery roadmaps, and cross-domain interoperability assessments as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, science, operations, or related field.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including direct involvement in technology transition, prototyping, acquisition, or advanced capability development.
• Strong Test & Evaluation experience (developmental testing, operational testing, test planning, data analysis, reporting, or range event execution).
• Experience with military space, cyber, C2, or advanced weapon system capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while engaging with senior DoD officials and mission stakeholders.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant technical or operational discipline.
• U.S. Air Force experience strongly preferred, including backgrounds in:
  • Operational units
  • Test organizations (DT/OT)
  • Program offices (PEOs, PMs)
  • Requirements or future capabilities organizations (A5/8/9, MAJCOM equivalents)
• Demonstrated success advising senior DoW leadership, Service headquarters, or joint organizations.
• Experience in technical leadership, T&E strategy development, acquisition lifecycle planning, and requirements integration.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical insights to senior leaders across military, civilian, and industry sectors.

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.