Position Overview:
Blue Sky Innovators is seeking an experienced USAF Operational Subject Matter Expert (SME) with over 15 years of experience to provide expert support to the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition (SAF/AQL). This position requires deep knowledge of U.S. Air Force operational requirements, systems engineering, and strategic defense systems. You will play a pivotal role in systems engineering services, operational analysis, and strategic decision-making in support of critical SAF/AQL programs.

Clearance: TS/SCI with the ability to obtain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Key Responsibilities:

Subject Matter Expertise: Deliver expert assessments in Low Observable (LO) and Counter-Low Observable (CLO) technology, supporting SAF/AQL's decision-making processes.
LO/CLO EXCOM and TSC support staff: Deliver expert assessments in Low Observable (LO) and Counter-Low Observable (CLO) technology, supporting SAF/AQL's decision-making processes.
Export License Reviews: Perform technical reviews of Industry applications to export systems that contain Low Observable (LO) and Counter-Low Observable (CLO) technologies. Draft the OSD SAPCO position regarding the export requested.
Advanced Air Superiority & Electronic Warfare: Offer insights and recommendations to enhance advanced air superiority capabilities, weapons systems, and electronic warfare initiatives.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 15 years of relevant USAF operational experience, with a focus on advanced weapons systems, air superiority, or related fields.
Deep expertise in SAF/AQL domains such as LO/CLO technology, advanced air systems, and special access programs.
Experience with SAP management, foreign military sales, and export compliance highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Engineering, Defense Studies, or a related field.
Prior experience supporting MAJCOM or higher staff.
Operational experience operating either fighters, LO bombers, RPAs, ISR mission area.
Current TS required

Impact & Contributions:
As a key member of the Blue Sky Innovators team, your contributions will directly impact the U.S. Air Force's ability to maintain air superiority and advance its strategic capabilities in next-generation air and space systems. You will be instrumental in shaping future defense initiatives, ensuring that U.S. defense systems remain ahead of emerging threats.

Apply today to join a team committed to delivering high-impact results and innovative solutions to the nation’s most critical defense programs!

Salary range for the position is $150,000 - $250,000 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 [email protected] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.

About the company

Blue Sky Innovators provides advanced technology and operational support to DoD and Intelligence Community clients, offering AI/ML data analysis, cybersecurity, and systems integration, along with internal R&D to turn new technologies into usable capabilities. It delivers professional services, SETA and acquisition support, and program control to solve complex defense challenges and advance operational capabilities. The company differentiates itself with a defense-led leadership team, a workforce rich in military veterans and TS/SCI clearance, and significant in-house R&D that supports DARPA, the Navy, and other defense programs. Its goal is to deliver practical, field-ready technologies and specialized support that help DoD and IC programs succeed by turning research into deployed solutions.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Reston, Virginia

Founded

N/A

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

LinkedIn shows 51-200 employees in 2026, signaling ongoing demand and scaling.
Blue Sky Innovators won the 2026 AI Summit Best Technology award for SkyEye.
A March 2026 Air Force delivery order added $4.5 million through March 2027.

What critics are saying

Blue Sky Innovators depends on DoD and Space Force contract timing, not recurring software revenue.
BSI’s $74,996.41 SpaceWERX award is tiny versus sustainment needs and hiring costs.
A failed Phase II for SKYWAVE would leave IRAD sunk and differentiation weakened.

What makes Blue Sky Innovators unique

Blue Sky Innovators won SpaceWERX SBIR Phase I for SKYWAVE in July 2026.
SKYWAVE combines proprietary RFML with RF fingerprinting for space-domain awareness.
BSI landed MDA SHIELD IDIQ access in December 2025, spanning 10 years.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Remote Work Options
Paid Vacation
Flexible Work Hours
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Telephone/Internet stipend
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Conference Attendance Budget
Professional Development Budget

Blue Sky Innovators

USAF Operational Subject Matter Expert

About the job