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The Defense Strategy & Venture Operations Fellowship at ellimaC Defense Partners offers transitioning service members a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in defense consulting and venture-backed technology through the DoD SkillBridge program. Fellows will split their time between ellimaC Defense Partners and an affiliated portfolio company, supporting internal efforts in federal funding opportunity research, capture strategy development, and business operations optimization. This six-month, remote fellowship equips participants with skills in tools like Google Workspace, Slack, and CRM platforms, while providing mentorship from industry experts, including ellimaC’s CEO, a USAF veteran. Designed for SkillBridge-eligible service members, the program fosters a seamless transition to civilian careers in defense innovation, government consulting, or technology startups, with potential for full-time roles post-fellowship.
The Defense Strategy & Venture Operations Fellow will engage in a dynamic, dual-role training program, dividing their 30–40 weekly hours between ellimaC Defense Partners and a high-growth portfolio company over 26 weeks. At ellimaC, fellows will support the identification and analysis of federal funding opportunities, such as SBIR/STTR and OTAs, by drafting internal capture plans and preparing outreach materials, without direct government interaction. With the portfolio company, fellows will assist in customer discovery, aligning commercial technologies with DoD needs, and refining use case narratives. Additional responsibilities include managing CRM systems, developing standard operating procedures, and contributing to proposal drafts. The fellowship culminates in a strategic capstone project, where fellows address a real-world challenge and present actionable solutions. Through hybrid instruction, including live virtual mentoring and asynchronous assignments, fellows will gain practical experience and build a foundation for careers in defense technology and consulting.
In addition to meeting standard DoD SkillBridge eligibility requirements—such as having 180 days or fewer remaining before discharge, at least 180 continuous days of active service, and unit commander approval—candidates for the Defense Strategy & Venture Operations Fellowship should demonstrate a strong interest in defense technology or government consulting. A minimum of four years of combined DoD and/or industry experience is required, along with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes is preferred but not mandatory, as the program is designed to train motivated individuals. Candidates must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently in a remote environment, and a willingness to learn industry-standard tools like Google Workspace, Slack, and CRM platforms. A criminal background check is required prior to participation.
The ellimaC Defense Partners SkillBridge Fellowship is a remote, unpaid program, with participants continuing to receive military compensation and benefits through the DoD SkillBridge program. The fellowship is structured to provide maximum flexibility, accommodating mission requirements that may necessitate early termination. ellimaC collaborates with portfolio companies to tailor each fellow’s training plan, ensuring alignment with the skills needed for success in their specific roles. The program includes biweekly feedback sessions, rubric-based assessments, and a final capstone evaluation to track progress and ensure meaningful outcomes. Fellows will benefit from direct mentorship by senior leaders, including ellimaC’s CEO and portfolio company executives, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities. Upon completion, fellows will have a robust portfolio of work, including a strategic capstone presentation and contributions to 2–3 SBIR or OTA proposals, positioning them for competitive roles in the defense and technology sectors.
