Job #: R-00163345-OTHLOC-PL-2D1953
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Category: Technology Management
Schedule (FT/PT): Full Time
Travel Required: Yes, 10% of the time
Shift: Day
Remote Type: No Remote
Clearance: Top Secret/SCI
External Referral Program: Ineligible
Sector: National Security
Description

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT CAREER CHALLENGE?

Leidos National Security Sector (NSS) is seeking a highly experienced and skilled mission-driven Technical Innovation Manager to support APOLLO/OPIAS in Tampa, FL. The Technical Innovation Manager serves as a strategic advisor and innovation facilitator, introducing emerging technologies and innovative solutions that address complex challenges with Operations in the Information Environment (OIE). This role does not manage engineering teams directly but instead leads the strategic engagement, vision, and integration of technical capabilities—bridging mission needs with cutting-edge industry or government solutions. The ideal candidate fosters innovation through cross-functional collaboration, chairs innovation working groups, and serves as a thought leader on how technology can enable operational advantage across influence, cyber, and targeting domains. This position is on a future contract pending award announcement.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Strategic Studies, Innovation Management, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in technical strategy, innovation facilitation, product exploration, or mission-driven technology integration
• must have 2 or more years of supervisory experience or leading teams or projects.
• Demonstrated experience engaging government customers and aligning technical innovation to mission needs
• Experience with technology scouting, pilot evaluation, and commercial tech assessment
• Familiarity with Information Operations concepts including MISO, MILDEC, OPSEC, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum operations
• Active Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence, Engineering Management, or a related field
• Certifications in innovation (e.g., Lean Startup, Design Thinking), project management (PMP), or technical evaluation (DAU/OT&E credentials)
• Experience supporting or facilitating innovation efforts at a Combatant Command, J39, or Joint Staff directorate
• Familiarity with government innovation channels (e.g., DIU, NSIN, SOFWERX, AFWERX, SBIR/STTR)
• Strong communication and facilitation skills; capable of chairing meetings and synthesizing input into actionable strategy
  Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.
  We’re the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”

• Serve as a strategic advisor and innovation evangelist, aligning technology innovation with OIE mission objectives across the Information Forces and Info activities to achieve decision advantage.
• Identify, assess, and introduce emerging technical capabilities (AI/ML, data fusion, ISR tools, analytic platforms) to solve operational challenges for government customers.
• Chair and lead innovation working groups and tech strategy sessions with internal stakeholders, mission owners, and industry/academic partners.
• Translate mission gaps and operator pain points into technical problem statements, guiding concept development and solution exploration.
• Maintain situational awareness of defense innovation ecosystems (e.g., AFWERX, DIU, SBIR, CDAO), commercial sector capabilities, and government-funded R&D relevant to OIE
• Develop briefings, roadmaps, and innovation campaign plans that prioritize value-driven technical experimentation and pilot efforts.
• Collaborate with operations, planning, targeting, and Information Forces teams to align solution sets with authorities, operational timelines, and security constraints.
• Support proposal efforts, innovation planning documentation, and program-level roadmaps tied to OIE modernization.