Manager of Defense Programs

What We Do at Anno.aiAnno.ai is a mission-focused defense technology startup dedicated to accelerating the safe and effective development of next-generation autonomous systems. We specialize in building and operating advanced test ranges for low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) single- or dual- use autonomous platforms, providing a critical bridge between early-stage innovation and real-world mission requirements. Our ranges are designed to replicate complex, contested, and dynamic environments—giving innovators, researchers, and defense partners the ability to validate, stress-test, and mature their systems with speed and rigor. By combining deep technical expertise with a strong national security ethos, Anno.ai ensures that emerging autonomous technologies are tested not only for performance, but for resilience, adaptability, and operational relevance. Anno.ai is a growing company with a team drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, bringing together expertise in defense, technology, engineering, and operations. We intentionally build our teams on the foundation of trust. Our values including the trust rule, ownership, bias for action, never stop learning, and sustainable excellence, not only guide how we work internally, but also how we partner with customers and stakeholders. At Anno.ai, we believe that mission success depends on empowering innovation at the edge. We exist to help our partners move faster, fail smarter, and ultimately deliver autonomous capabilities that safeguard both national security and the future of global stability.
Position Overview

As a Defense Programs Manager , you will play an important role in supporting and executing program management, business development, and federal acquisition initiatives within the defense and national security market. This position is ideal for a professional with 3-5 years of relevant experience who understands the Department of Defense (DoD) environment and is ready to take greater ownership of projects, customer engagement, and business development activities. You will be responsible for coordinating defense technology programs, researching and evaluating business opportunities, supporting federal contracting and acquisition processes, and contributing to capture strategies and proposal development. Working closely with company leadership, technical teams, government stakeholders, and external partners, you will help translate complex requirements into actionable plans that advance our mission and business objectives. We're looking for someone who is resourceful, analytical, organized, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal candidate brings practical experience navigating the defense ecosystem, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and a willingness to take initiative. You should enjoy solving complex problems, building relationships, and continuously learning. The ideal candidate would reside in Minneapolis, MN. However, this position is remote, and candidates located anywhere within the Continental United States (CONUS) will be considered. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required) and travel up to 20% of the time.
What You'll DoDefense Program Management

Manage and coordinate assigned activities for early-stage defense technology programs, including schedules, milestones, deliverables, budgets, and risk tracking
Monitor program performance, identify potential challenges, and recommend solutions to keep projects on track
Coordinate with internal technical teams, government customers, and external partners to support successful program execution
Develop program documentation, status reports, briefings, and other materials to communicate progress and support decision-making
Fe deral Acquisition and Contracting

Support federal contracting and acquisition activities within the DoD ecosystem, including acquisition planning, requirements development, and contract execution
Research and evaluate acquisition strategies, contract vehicles, solicitation requirements, and government procurement opportunities
Assist in developing and reviewing Statements of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Statements of Objectives (SOO), and related acquisition documentation
Track acquisition timelines, solicitation requirements, deliverables, and compliance obligations in coordination with internal and external stakeholders
Business Development and Capture Support

Identify, research, and evaluate business development opportunities aligned with Anno.Ai's technologies, capabilities, and strategic priorities
Support capture planning, proposal development, and responses to government solicitations, requests for information (RFIs), and other business opportunities
Conduct market, customer, and competitor research to inform business development strategies and opportunity assessments
Help develop customer presentations, capability statements, proposals, and strategic briefings
Build and maintain productive working relationships with government stakeholders, industry partners, and potential customers
Maintain opportunity pipelines, track business development activities, and provide regular updates to leadership
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Translate government and military operational requirements into actionable business, technical, and program recommendations
Collaborate with leadership, engineering, operations, and business development teams to align customer needs with company capabilities
Take ownership of assigned projects and deliverables while proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes and outcomes
Adapt to changing priorities and contribute to a collaborative, results-oriented startup environment
Required Qualifications

5-10 years of relevant professional experience in defense programs, federal acquisitions, government contracting, business development, program management, or related field. Equivalent military or government experience will be considered
Working knowledge of DoD organizations, missions, acquisition processes, contracting practices, or program-management activities
Demonstrated experience coordinating projects or programs, managing deliverables, tracking milestones, and working with multiple stakeholders
Experience supporting federal acquisition, contracting, business development, or government program activities
Ability to independently research complex topics, analyze information, identify risks and opportunities, and develop practical recommendations
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing professional reports, presentations, briefings, proposals, or decision-support materials
Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail
Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to take ownership of assigned responsibilities with appropriate guidance
Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with technical, operational, business, and government stakeholders
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the ability to quickly learn additional business development and program management tools
Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive, proprietary, or mission-related information
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a remote, fast-moving, mission-focused team
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, including U.S. citizenship
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience supporting DoD acquisition, contracting, requirements development, resource management, program management, or operational planning
Experience developing, reviewing, or contributing to Performance Work Statements (PWS), Statements of Work (SOW), Statements of Objectives (SOO), or related acquisition documentation
Familiarity with the federal acquisition lifecycle, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), contract vehicles, Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), or SBIR/STTR programs
Experience supporting defense business development, capture management, proposal development, customer engagement, or opportunity assessments
Experience preparing responses to government RFIs, requests for proposals (RFPs), or other federal solicitations
Experience conducting market, customer, competitor, or opportunity research and presenting findings to leadership or other decision-makers
Experience translating military operational needs or government requirements into acquisition strategies, program plans, or business recommendations
Experience monitoring program schedules, budgets, risks, deliverables, and stakeholder commitments
Strong technical writing skills, particularly in developing acquisition documentation, proposals, technical reports, or customer-facing materials
Familiarity with autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, artificial intelligence, data analytics, or other emerging defense technologies
Bachelor's degree, military training, professional certification, or relevant coursework in business, acquisition, contracting, public policy, national security, engineering, or related field
Experience working in a startup, small business, or rapidly evolving organization
An active or recently held U.S. Government security clearance
Total Rewards Package for Our US Employees

Competitive salary
Equity
Comprehensive benefits package
401k with a 5% company match
Paid holidays and generous paid time off offering
Paid leave programs
Patent bonus program
Employee referral bonus program
Learning and development program
Opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled, creative and motivated team members

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