Principal for National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC)

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.

 

Job Number: 1144

Riverside Research Institute is seeking a tech-savvy commercial business expert to join our team of advisors supporting the Defense Innovation Unit. The individual will join the National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) team to develop technology and market insights into several technology verticals, and lay the foundation for successful, national security-focused technology development projects with early stage startup companies. The position requires strong technical evaluation skills across a broad range of emerging technologies, market and business analytical skills and experience, and exceptional project management and client-handling skills. A successful Principal will need strong judgment, an analytical mindset, sound collaboration skills, a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, and the ability to thrive in an often ambiguous, entrepreneurial environment.

Location: 

Location is flexible, ideally centered within a US commercial technology innovation hub.

Responsibilities:

Seeking someone who has or will develop technology and market insight into one or more of the National Security Innovation Capital's (NSIC) topics of interest: autonomy, communications, power, sensors and space, among others. The Principal will enhance or develop NSIC’s market map and investment strategy for a selected Topic. The Principal will:

• Develop a market map and investment strategy for each of several technology verticals to include but not limited to: autonomy, communications, power, sensors and space, and other emerging areas that align with national security priorities
• Work with and build relationships with relevant DoD/USG components to identify and document areas of future interest and need for hardware technologies and products to address strategic priorities
• Establish and cultivate relevant contacts in the venture capital and startup worlds with respect to the selected priority areas
• Perform independent reviews, technical assessments, and business due diligence of startup technologies to identify potential commercial and defense applications and recommend investment strategies
• Act as the program manager for funding projects in which NSIC negotiates development contracts, grants, loans or loan guarantees with selected technology startup companies
• Participate in milestone reviews, testing, and simulations, as appropriate
• Prepare program updates, white papers, technical papers, briefs, and meeting materials
• Provide ongoing mentorship to existing partner vendors companies to ensure project goals and other success criteria are met
• Participate in key intra- and inter-agency meetings
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in technical, engineering, or scientific field and 5+ years of experience in business or market analysis, product development, or venture capital company 
• or Business degree and 5+ years of experience in business or market analysis, technology product development, investment bank, private equity or venture capital company
• 5+ years of relevant program/product management experience in the technology sector
• Proven experience as proactive, independent worker and able to contribute to a large, geographically-dispersed team
• Expert communication skills and ability to communicate technical and business details to diverse audiences from government and industry
• and communicate effectively with both government and industry representatives
• Highest standards of professionalism, organization, team leadership, and entrepreneurial attitude
• Position requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance
• US Citizenship

Desired Qualifications:

• MBA or Masters degree (or equivalent) in an engineering/scientific field
• Experience in product development in a technology startup company
• Ability to balance out-of-box innovation mindset and government procedures across functions
• Active TS/SCI clearance

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

 

Riverside Research does not mandate COVID vaccination as a condition of employment. However, proof of vaccination or negative test may be required to enter certain government facilities and sites. Vaccination requirements will depend on the status of the federal contractor mandate and customer site-specific requirements. To protect th