Project Coordinator (DARPA Commercial Accelerator)

Austin, Texas, United States

CDI Team reporting to CDI Director

Full-time, in office

As a Capital Factory Project Manager, you will be at the forefront of accelerating breakthrough technologies from DARPA’s cutting-edge research portfolio into real-world commercial applications. Supporting the DARPA Commercial Accelerators program at Capital Factory, you will assist teams of DARPA-funded innovators, experienced entrepreneurs, and commercial experts as they rapidly transition game-changing technologies to market. You will collaborate with DARPA performers and program managers, venture capitalists, corporate leaders, serial entrepreneurs, technology experts, and government stakeholders—building a powerful network at the intersection of national security and deep tech commercialization.

What you will do…

• Coordinate with SCAs (Senior Commercialization Advisors) to ensure program timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met, while providing SCAs with the necessary resources, data, and connections to effectively mentor DARPA performers.
• Own and manage project operations and outcomes, including scheduling meetings, tracking progress, and maintaining clear communication between DARPA performers, SCAs, and other key stakeholders.
• Manage administrative processes, including contract creation and onboarding SCAs, preparing monthly status reports, tracking key project metrics, and reconciling SCA hours for accurate budget management.
• Track and maintain key program metrics, including technology transition progress, startup growth, and program success indicators, ensuring accurate reporting for executive reviews.
• Liaise with Capital Factory teams to coordinate program support (e.g. due diligence, event planning, VIP visits, and other accelerator-related activities).
• Support outreach and engagement efforts to build an active community of SCAs, investors, and industry partners, ensuring stellar matchmaking for DARPA performers.
• Organize events, roundtables, and working groups to support DARPA initiatives, fostering new connections, investment, and partnership opportunities.
  

You'll know you're successful if....

• DARPA performers successfully hit transition milestones during their program (e.g. product launch, revenue, partnerships, customers, or funding).
• SCAs feel well-supported and have the resources they need to effectively evaluate, mentor, and guide DARPA performers.
• Program milestones and deliverables are consistently met, with clear communication and coordination between all stakeholders.
• You’ve built a strong network of entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners actively engaging with DARPA technologies.
• Capital Factory teams work seamlessly with the program, ensuring high-quality due diligence, well-executed events, and productive VIP visits.
• Program operations run smoothly, with clear tracking of progress, measurable impact, and continuous improvements to processes.
• DARPA Commercial Accelerators gains visibility as a key program bridging the gap between deep tech and commercial solutions.

About you…

• You are organized and plan ahead, but you don’t get stressed out when things change at the last minute… because they will. You roll with it.
• You are outgoing and can talk to just about anyone.
• You are a documentor. You make lists and spreadsheets.
• You are a problem solver. You look for ways to make things work better and how to turn chaos into systems.
• You check your email in the evenings and are available to work during evening events and over the weekends when there is a tight deadline. You do what it takes to get the job done.

• You have a reliable laptop computer & smartphone that you are comfortable using for work.

• You plan to stay in Texas for at least two years.

About our team...

• We have a passion for startups and technology. 
• We are transparent and we over-communicate.
• We have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• We communicate when we are not able to meet a deadline and suggest a solution.
• We are professional and presentable and greet everyone cheerfully. We’re ready to deal with an immature student, a pushy salesperson, top VC’s, a fortune 500 CEO, and even the President of the United States.
• We are excited to work in downtown Austin and have reliable transportation.
• We have a quiet place where we can work remotely with fast internet. 
• We are security aware. We have a passcode on our computers and phones and use a password manager.
• We are able to efficiently use the Google suite of productivity tools (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• We are available to work at CF House during SXSW (Spring Break), DREAMCON (one week long staff summits twice a year), and Austin Tech Week.
• We get to Inbox Zero every day.

• 4 weeks paid time off (one week is between Christmas and New Year’s) 
• Personal health, vision and dental insurance paid 100% by Capital Factory
• Additional benefits such as 401k program (50% company matching), life insurance, short & long term disability and and employee assistance program
• Parental leave including 10 weeks paid leave for birthing parents and 4 weeks paid leave for non-birthing parents
• $1,000 personal innovation budget on your first year anniversary and then an additional $500 each anniversary thereafter
• Coworking membership at Capital Factory with garage parking space, metro pass, or rideshare credits and access to the onsite gym
• A priceless network

About Capital Factory

Capital Factory is the center of gravity for entrepreneurs in Texas, the number one startup state in the U.S. Hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs, programmers, and designers gather day and night, in-person and online for meetups, classes, and coworking. With boots on the ground in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, we meet the best entrepreneurs in Texas and introduce them to their first investors, employees, mentors, and customers. According to Pitchbook, Capital Factory has been the most active investor in Texas since 2010.