Program Manager, Deep Tech & Dual-use

Title: Program Manager - Deep tech, Defense, Dual-Use & Space Ventures

Start2 Group is looking for a highly organized, execution-oriented, and relationship-driven Program Manager to support and deliver U.S. startup programs focused on defense tech, dual-use innovation, space tech, and advanced technology commercialization.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of the U.S. startup ecosystem in general, and experience working at the intersection of startups, government, innovation, and commercialization. You will support founders, mentors, partners, and internal teams across programs designed to help high-potential startups grow in complex and strategic markets. The role will also support the NSF STRIDE Ventures work Start2 Group is doing, including the Tech Metal Transformation Challenge.

The ideal candidate is based in Austin, TX, Boulder, CO, or the Washington, DC metro area and is excited to work closely with startups, public-sector stakeholders, investors, industry partners, and entrepreneurial support organizations.

Location:
Austin, TX; Boulder, CO; or Washington, DC metro area

Job Function:
Full-time

Start:
Immediately

Compensation:

• Austin, TX: $100,000
• Boulder, CO: $109,500
• Washington, DC: $128,400

Key Responsibilities

Program Support & Execution

• Support the planning and execution of startup programs focused on deep tech, defense tech, dual-use innovation, space tech, and other strategic technology sectors.
• Ensure smooth program operations, including scheduling workshops, coordinating events, managing communications, and supporting participating startups to meet milestones and program goals.
• Help develop and maintain program materials, including presentations, founder guides, mentor resources, and partner-facing content.
• Collaborate with mentors, speakers, and subject matter experts to develop tailored activities, workshops, and events for startup cohorts.
• Coordinate logistics for program delivery, including venues, virtual sessions, stakeholder meetings, founder check-ins, and milestone tracking.
• Support startup recruitment, selection, onboarding, and engagement throughout the lifecycle of each program.

NSF STRIDE Ventures - Support for Tech Metal Transformation Challenge and Other Potential Challenges

• Support the delivery and ongoing execution of Start2 Group’s NSF STRIDE Ventures work, including the Tech Metal Transformation Challenge, and potentially other Challenges.
• Coordinate across founders, ecosystem partners, mentors, and internal teams to keep program workstreams on track.
• Help manage timelines, deliverables, founder support, stakeholder communications, and reporting requirements related to the challenge.
• Contribute to programming that supports startups working in advanced materials, manufacturing, critical technologies, and adjacent innovation areas relevant to the challenge.
• Assist in documenting outcomes, best practices, and program insights for internal and external stakeholders.

Community Engagement & Relationship Management

• Act as a key representative for Start2 Group within the local innovation ecosystem, with a focus on deep tech, defense, dual-use, space, and public-sector innovation networks.
• Build and maintain relationships with investors, mentors, founders, corporate partners, universities, national labs, accelerators, government stakeholders, and other ecosystem partners that can add value to startups in our programs.
• Develop partnerships with local organizations, coworking spaces, innovation hubs, and sector-specific communities to expand access to resources and opportunities.

Founder, Mentorship & Advisory Support

• Support the assessment of startup pipelines and identify companies that are strong fits for defense tech, dual-use, space, or federally relevant innovation programs.
• Provide hands-on support to participating startups and portfolio companies throughout the program experience.
• Help connect founders with mentors and advisors who have experience in commercialization, government innovation pathways, industry partnerships, fundraising, and scaling in the U.S. market.

Program Monitoring & Improvement

• Collect and analyze feedback from startups, mentors, and partners to improve future program iterations.
• Track program performance, participant progress, and key success metrics, and assist in reporting outcomes to stakeholders.
• Regularly communicate with partners and internal teams to ensure timely and accurate updates on program status, deliverables, and results.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

Strategic Thinking & Program Management

• Experience supporting or managing programs that help startups grow, commercialize, or enter new markets.
• Ability to help design and implement scalable programs for startups in complex or highly networked industries.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.

Stakeholder Management & Networking

• Experience building and maintaining strong networks across startup, investor, corporate, university, and public-sector ecosystems.
• Confidence engaging with founders, mentors, speakers, partners, and senior external stakeholders.
• Skilled in maintaining ongoing community engagement through events, digital channels, and one-on-one relationship management.

U.S. Market & Sector Expertise

• Familiarity with the U.S. startup ecosystem, especially as it relates to defense tech, dual-use innovation, space tech, hard tech, advanced manufacturing, or other strategic sectors.
• Understanding of the commercialization, fundraising, partnership, regulatory, or operational challenges faced by startups in these areas.
• Experience with federal innovation ecosystems, public-private partnerships, SBIR/STTR, government stakeholders, or mission-driven commercialization pathways is a strong plus.

Cross-Cultural Competence

• Ability to understand and navigate cultural and business differences impacting diverse founders and stakeholder groups.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working across geographies, sectors, and organizational types.

The Ideal Candidate

• 3+ years of experience in program management, entrepreneurship, innovation, venture support, or a related field
• A solid understanding of the U.S. startup ecosystem and the needs of early-stage companies in deep tech, defense tech, dual-use, space tech, hard tech, or adjacent sectors
• A natural connector who thrives on building relationships with founders, investors, operators, industry experts, and public-sector stakeholders
• Proven ability to build and engage startup communities through events, stakeholder management, programming, or mentorship networks
• Familiarity with commercialization strategy, market entry, venture development, innovation programs, or consulting
• Experience working with startups, entrepreneurial support organizations, accelerators, venture programs, or innovation initiatives
• Previous experience with international or global organizations is a plus
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for helping startups grow and navigate complex commercialization pathways
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Professional working proficiency in English

What We Offer

• An exciting international work environment with many opportunities to learn and grow
• An open-minded and motivated team that excels at completing tasks together, relying on strong performance, teamwork, and humor
• Opportunity to work independently with plenty of creative freedom, openness, and space for new ideas, approaches, and methods
• A small team where everyone has the opportunity to lead projects and contribute ideas
• Diverse tasks that create impact within the global startup and innovation world
• Competitive benefits, including 100% employer-paid healthcare and 401(k) options

How to Apply

Please submit your resume via email to Katrina Marsters at the address below by
April 15, 2026
. Along with your resume, please include a one-page cover letter that tells us about yourself, explains why you want to work at Start2 Group, and highlights why you are a good fit for this position.

Contact:

Katrina Marsters

Director of People and Operations, Start2 Group, Inc.

katrina.marsters@start2.group

As part of the application process, candidates will be required to complete a Predictive Index behavioral assessment to assess cultural fit and personality traits. This assessment takes approximately 6 minutes to complete and will help us understand how well your skills and personality align with the requirements of the role and our company culture. https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/94JJ/ProgramManagerDeepTechVentures\_Apr2026\_193820

About Start2 Group:

Start2 Group is a global powerhouse taking your startup journey to the next level.

As a premier international innovation platform, we serve as the ultimate destination for growth-oriented startups, corporations, and governments to shape and scale purpose-driven ventures.

Founded in 2008, Start2 Group has consistently played a pivotal role in the success stories of 6,000 of startups, guiding them seamlessly from initial fundraising to global expansion. Our influence spans key markets across Europe, the America, Asia, and the Middle East, shaping the future of innovation on a global scale.

Join us in fostering purpose-driven innovation across borders.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Start2 Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.