SOCOM Test & Evaluation Lead

Noblis is seeking a SOCOM Test & Evaluation Lead to support the Department of War (DoW) Sustainable Technology Evaluation and Demonstration (STED) Program. This position supports the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment (OASD(EI&E)) by identifying, evaluating, and accelerating the transition of innovative Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) technologies that address validated operational capability gaps across the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) enterprise.

This is a high-visibility, client-facing position supporting senior Department of War leadership and the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), community. The successful candidate will serve as the STED Program’s primary representative to the SOF enterprise, building trusted relationships with government stakeholders, operational units, and defense industry partners to identify emerging mission requirements and execute technology evaluations that enhance mission effectiveness, survivability, lethality, resilience, and operational readiness.

The ideal candidate is a former Special Operations professional with extensive operational experience, a well-established professional network throughout the SOF community, and a passion for advancing emerging technologies into the hands of the warfighter. While operational credibility is essential, this role also requires the discipline of a federal consultant with demonstrated experience in program management, technical writing, stakeholder engagement, business development, and independent execution.

Preference will be given to candidates residing in or near Tampa, Florida , to facilitate regular engagement with USSOCOM and the broader SOF community. This position may require up to 50% travel in support of operational assessments, technology demonstrations, customer engagements, industry collaboration, and government-sponsored events.

Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant professional experience (or a Master’s degree with 3 years). Additional directly related experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements where applicable.

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance is required.
• Prior military service supporting Special Operations Forces or other elite operational organizations.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs), or other Special Operations organizations.
• Demonstrated success managing Department of War programs, technology evaluations, operational assessments, experimentation initiatives, or capability development efforts.
• Strong program and project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple concurrent initiatives in dynamic operational environments.
• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships across government, military, defense industry, and technology partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including development of executive-level briefings, technical documentation, white papers, and decision-support products.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, organize, and execute complex initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Strong customer engagement, stakeholder management, and business development experience supporting Department of War organizations.
• Ability to synthesize operational requirements, technical information, and stakeholder feedback into actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, * Former Tier 1 Special Mission Unit or other highly selective Special Operations assignment strongly preferred.
• Existing professional relationships throughout the USSOCOM enterprise and the broader SOF community.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or equivalent project/program management certification.
• Experience supporting Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E), experimentation, rapid prototyping, or technology transition initiatives.
• Existing relationships with defense manufacturers, technology developers, and innovation organizations supporting the SOF community.
• Experience evaluating, fielding, or transitioning emerging technologies into operational environments.
• Familiarity with Other Transaction Authority (OTA), Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Fielding, or Department of War innovation and acquisition pathways.
• Experience supporting business development, customer engagement, or capture activities within the Department of War.
• Knowledge of the Defense Acquisition System, capability development processes, and technology transition pathways.
• Preference will be given to candidates residing in or near Tampa, Florida , to facilitate regular engagement with USSOCOM and the broader SOF community.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it’s just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package.

Posted Salary Range

USD $98,820.00 - USD $154,375.00 /Yr.

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers’ most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org (https://careers.noblis.org/about-noblis/)

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission-driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards (https://noblis.org/who-we-are/awards/) for our culture, our commitment to employee well-being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug-free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.