Transition Subject Matter Expert

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 (e.g., 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.