ABOUT US
Aether Bio is an artificial intelligence company that discovers proteins with
high-impact, real-world industrial applications. We’re building super materials,
processing critical minerals, and developing new deployable manufacturing
technologies. Our current product lines target the defense, unmanned aerospace,
and industrial manufacturing sectors, strengthening American manufacturing
competitiveness. We are formalizing our presence in the defense and government
innovation ecosystem and are hiring a Government Programs Manager to lead that
charge.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Government Programs Manager will own Aether Bio’s pipeline of non-dilutive
government funding and direct DoD sales. Initially, this is a mid-level,
individual-contributor role for someone who has already run point on government
account relationships and is ready to build and own that function at Aether. You
will identify and win related government dollars for Aether - this could include
DoD and DoE grant and contract opportunities, program funding via America Makes
and NCDMM, SBIR activity end to end, and key DoD accounts for our commercial
products. You’ll work closely with our technical, product, and finance teams and
report to Aether’s Head of Commercial.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Grow key DoD accounts. Own and expand direct sales relationships with
strategic DoD end users, program offices, and defense primes purchasing
Aether’s commercial products; build account plans and manage the sales cycle
from lead to close.
Manage the opportunity pipeline. Track and prioritize opportunities across
SAM.gov [http://SAM.gov], the DoD SBIR/STTR portal, America Makes, and NCDMM
portals; maintain an accurate pipeline and forecast for leadership.
Win strategic funding. Identify, qualify, and lead capture and proposal
efforts for DoD and DoE grants, Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Other
Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and cooperative agreements relevant to
Aether’s materials and manufacturing technology. Monitor, pursue, and win
Technology Project Calls (TPCs) and other funded opportunities through
America Makes, NCDMM, and adjacent DoD manufacturing innovation institutes;
manage Aether’s membership and standing within these consortia. Manage
Aether’s SBIR/STTR pipeline across DoD and DoE components end to end — topic
tracking, capability statements, Phase I/II/III proposal development, and
post-award transition planning.
Build capture strategy and teaming. Develop win strategies, competitive
positioning, and teaming/partner relationships (primes, labs, academic
partners, distributors) for pursued opportunities.
Represent Aether externally. Attend and represent the company at relevant
industry and government events (e.g., tradeshows, conferences, America Makes
member meetings, DoD industry days).
Coordinate proposal content. Partner with technical, operations, and
leadership teams to develop compelling, compliant proposals and account
materials.
Support post-award execution. Coordinate with finance and program management
on award compliance, reporting, and deliverables for funded programs.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
6+ years of experience in federal business development, capture management,
or grants/proposal management, with a focus on DoD and/or DoE.
A demonstrated track record of winning SBIR/STTR awards or other federal
non-dilutive funding.
Working knowledge of federal contracting mechanisms (OTAs, BAAs, cooperative
agreements, and basic FAR/DFARS concepts).
Existing relationships within the DoD acquisition, S&T, or manufacturing
innovation ecosystem.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including hands-on proposal
writing and editing.
Comfort owning a sales cycle (prospecting, account planning, and closing)
with DoD or other government end users.
Bachelor’s degree required; a technical, engineering, or public policy
background is a plus.
Ability to travel approximately 30-40% for customer visits, industry events,
and government meetings.
U.S. citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance may be required
for certain programs.
NICE TO HAVE
Background in materials science, additive manufacturing, or advanced/defense
manufacturing.
Prior experience at an early-stage or high-growth company, comfortable owning
ambiguity and wearing multiple hats.
WHAT AETHER OFFERS
Base salary: $140,000 - $185,000 per year plus competitive, uncapped,
results-based bonus structure.
Strong benefits and early stage equity package.
Mission-driven work at the intersection of AI, materials science, and
American manufacturing.
Remote-first flexibility with a collaborative, fast-moving team.
This role requires current, unrestricted authorization to work in the United
States. Aether Bio is unable to sponsor employment visas.
Aether Bio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are
committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.