Also called: Small Business Innovation Research Consultant, Federal Grant Strategist (Startups)
Helps tech startups win federal SBIR and STTR research grants, which give non-dilutive cash to build new products.
A two-person drone startup wants Air Force money, so you help pick the right topic, shape the technical pitch and build the budget. You read 20-page solicitations, edit drafts at midnight before deadlines and cheer when a $1.8 million Phase II award comes through.
Many work independently and charge per proposal or take a success fee.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in science, engineering or business; many have a master's or PhD and grant experience.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Engineering, Biology, Business Administration, Technical Communication.
Growing about average. The SBIR program gives out more than $4 billion a year and depends on Congress renewing it.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI drafts sections and checks rules; choosing topics, shaping the science story and knowing program managers stays human.
Classes: AP Biology or Physics, English composition, Business class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 13-1111.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.