Program Manager 1 with Security Clearance
The Program Manager 1 at Confidential Client leads cross-functional teams through all phases of space-related program lifecycles, focusing on delivering counterspace mission capabilities within cost, schedule, and technical requirements. This entry-level leadership role involves managing smaller programs or acting as deputy on larger ones, emphasizing customer relationship development, strategic planning, and adherence to government contract standards under a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is seeking a Program Manager 1 to lead small program teams through shaping, capture, design, integration, test, and fielding of mission capabilities. This entry-level P&L leadership role focuses on delivering contractual requirements on cost and schedule while meeting technical requirements and building customer relationships. This position is located in Dulles Town Center, VA and requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance (or the ability to obtain and maintain it). U.S. citizenship is required.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and/or act as deputy for a smaller-sized program through all phases of the program lifecycle (shaping, proposal, startup, execution, closeout).
- Manage cost, schedule, and technical performance to meet contractual requirements.
- Work with leadership to develop and communicate organizational vision and program roadmap.
- Cultivate customer relationships to create opportunities and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Support business development and capture planning; contribute to proposals and business plans.
- Establish efficient program structures, allocate resources, and lead integrated product teams (IPTs).
- Develop and maintain program baselines and master schedules; use Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar tools.
- Track and report program performance to customers and senior leadership.
- Manage government/customer furnished equipment/information and suppliers/vendors.
- Identify, mitigate, and realize program risks and opportunities.
- Prepare and deliver clear presentations to customers, executives, and stakeholders.
- Support contract negotiations, changes, budgets, milestones, and compliance with internal processes and standards.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 5 years’ relevant experience, or master’s degree and 3 years’ relevant experience supporting U.S. Government contracts and/or subproject management.
- Currently holds and can maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance at time of application and ability to obtain additional special accesses as required.
- Minimum of three years’ experience completing technical tasks on schedule and within cost (examples: design, manufacture, test, or operation of components/subsystems/systems).
- Minimum of three years’ demonstrated success leading high-performance teams.
- Ability to travel up to ~20% per month.
- Strong business acumen and financial understanding relevant to program decisions.
- Effective written and verbal communications skills for stakeholder management.
- Proven issue and problem resolution skills across program levels.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading teams of 4+ and managing scope or activities in excess of $5M (may be as part of a larger program team).
- Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in a technical field (science, math, engineering).
- Experience on space system programs (satellites, space-to-ground communications, command & control, space vehicle operations).
- Familiarity with offensive and/or defensive counterspace architectures, missions, technologies, or related customers.
- Capture management experience and ability to shape customer expectations.
- Demonstrated ability with technical performance baselines, requirements development and traceability, program integration, risk & opportunity management, and planning/scheduling & EVM practices.
- Strong customer-intimacy skills and supplier relationship management.
Compensation & Benefits
- Primary salary range: $133,000.00 - $199,600.00 per year (range provided by the confidential client; final offer will consider experience, education, skills, and market conditions).
- May be eligible for discretionary bonus, overtime, shift differential, and other pay components depending on position.
- Typical benefits may include medical, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (benefit specifics provided by the confidential client).
Location & Travel
- Work location: Dulles Town Center, VA (on-site / client site as required).
- Travel: up to approximately 20% of the month.
Additional information & compliance
- U.S. Citizenship is required for positions requiring a government clearance.
- This posting adheres to applicable non-discrimination laws. Candidates will be evaluated based on job-related qualifications.
- The confidential client may use standard application timelines; the hiring timeline is subject to business needs and candidate availability.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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