Jacob N.F. Minnema
DC,DC
Summary
Multilingual aviation and defense professional with a decade of global military leadership, including extensive experience in the Middle East. Proven expertise in project management, strategic planning, and cross-cultural communication. Currently serving as a Navy Innovation SkillBridge Fellow at FedTech, focusing on business development and program management with a strong emphasis on Middle Eastern markets.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Navy Innovation SkillBridge Fellow
FedTech
03.2025 - Current
- Currently program-managing a cohort aimed at scaling startups into competitive enterprises.
- Assisting business development initiatives targeting contracts in Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
- Authored white papers and identified new contract opportunities on SAM.gov.
- Collaborated with Naval Tech Bridges to foster relationships and drive innovation.
Pilot in Command (UH-60 Black Hawk)
U.S. Army
06.2019 - Current
- Executed complex missions in Central America, Korea and the D.C. metro area.
- Maintained over 250 hours of Pilot in Command time with a 100% safety record.
- Mentored junior pilots and developed operational policies to enhance efficiency.
Battalion Aviation Life Support Officer (ALSO)
U.S. Army
10.2020 - 10.2022
- Managed maintenance and budgeting for over $10 million in aviation safety equipment.
- Conducted cost-benefit analyses and coordinated preventative maintenance activities.
- Provided leadership and coaching to maintenance personnel.
Infantry Squad Leader
82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army
02.2014 - 06.2019
- Led combat operations in Afghanistan, including reconnaissance and intelligence missions.
- Provided first aid under fire and operated tactical vehicles during deployments.
- Contributed to combat operations planning utilizing formal intelligence training.
Education
B.S. - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
06.2025
Skills
- Strategic Project Management
- Middle East Regional Expertise
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Business Development & Government Contracting
- Arabic & Danish (Conversational Proficiency)
- Military Aviation & Intelligence Operations
- Client Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
Certification
- Commercial Rotorcraft Rating – FAA, Fort Rucker, AL (2020-03)
- SERE-C Certification – Fort Rucker, AL (2019-03)
- Bell 206 & UH-60 A/L/M Certification – U.S. Army Flight School, Fort Rucker, AL (2019-01)
- Company Intelligence Support Team Certification – XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, NC (2017-05)
Languages
Arabic
Limited Working
Danish
Limited Working
Timeline
Navy Innovation SkillBridge Fellow
FedTech
03.2025 - Current
Battalion Aviation Life Support Officer (ALSO)
U.S. Army
10.2020 - 10.2022
Pilot in Command (UH-60 Black Hawk)
U.S. Army
06.2019 - Current
Infantry Squad Leader
82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army
02.2014 - 06.2019
B.S. - Aeronautics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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