Ignite is an ISO 9001:2015 and CMMI Services Level 3 certified, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), headquartered in Huntsville, AL. By design, Ignite is a provider of professional services to customers in educational, federal, and commercial industries and in every action seeks to be the preeminent provider within this business space. Ignite upholds our values of competency, collaboration, innovation, reliability, and results through everything we do.

Ignite is currently seeking a driven, detail-oriented Senior Program Manager to join our team supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC). This position is located in Huntsville, AL with some travel to the NSWC. As the Senior Program Manager, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end lifecycle of a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) program supporting hypersonics, from initial planning and requirements gathering to execution, delivery, and customer satisfaction. Your expertise in HWIL systems and your strong program management capabilities will be crucial in ensuring the successful implementation of HWIL projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Shall be the point of contact with the Contracting Officer, and/or designated representative and shall coordinate all the work for all contract deliverables. Plans, directs, and coordinates all activities of the Contractor to ensure that contractual requirements are accomplished within time limitations and funding constraints and with the prescribed priorities. Ensures all activities of the Contractor are compatible with the current and projected NSWC models and simulations in an integrated or federated architecture.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Expert understanding of flight avionic testing delivered in a HWIL environment
• Coordinating tasks and status with cross discipline team
• Analyze customer requirements
• Specify Tests based on requirements, standards, and regulations.
• Perform Tests according to the test Specification and document the results
• Ensure conformity of the test activities per the processes
• Maintain the test equipment and tools to the latest releases
• Provide independent reporting of the test status, technical risks and problems to lead
• Plan and track the tests
• Evaluate the test coverage
• Understand the technical details of the product to a level
• Program Management: Lead and manage the overall execution of HWIL programs, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Develop comprehensive project plans, establish milestones, and track progress throughout the project lifecycle. Identify and mitigate risks and issues, and proactively take corrective actions to keep the program on track.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, including engineering teams, customers, vendors, and senior management, to understand program objectives, gather requirements, and ensure alignment. Maintain effective communication channels and provide regular updates on program status, risks, and opportunities.
• HWIL Testing Strategy: Develop a comprehensive HWIL testing strategy aligned with program goals and customer requirements. Define the scope of HWIL testing, establish test objectives, and identify suitable hardware and software components to create an efficient and effective HWIL simulation environment.
• Technical Expertise: Provide expert guidance and support to the engineering team in designing and implementing HWIL solutions. Stay up to date with the latest advancements in HWIL technologies, tools, and methodologies. Evaluate and recommend appropriate HWIL systems, test equipment, and simulation models to ensure the accuracy and reliability of HWIL testing.
• Resource Management: Plan and allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities, to support HWIL program execution. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth collaboration and efficient utilization of resources. Monitor resource utilization and make adjustments as necessary to meet project objectives.
• Quality Assurance: Implement robust quality assurance processes and ensure that HWIL testing activities comply with industry standards and best practices. Develop and enforce rigorous testing methodologies, data analysis techniques, and documentation standards to maintain the integrity and reliability of HWIL test results.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiency gains, and cost optimization in HWIL program execution. Drive the adoption of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of HWIL testing processes.

CORE CAPABILITIES:

• Proven experience (10 years) in program management, preferably with a focus on HIL testing and simulation.
• Strong understanding of HIL systems, hardware interfaces, and simulation environments.
• Experience with HIL testing tools and software platforms such as dSPACE, National Instruments, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex engineering projects, including resource allocation, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and customers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and adherence to industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Familiarity with automotive, aerospace, or industrial control systems is highly desirable.
• PMP certification or equivalent is a plus.
• Understanding software framework of hypersonic and flight simulation testing
• Highly dependable and well organized
• Compliance and understanding of
  • NIST SP 800-218, Secure Software Development Framework v.1.1
  • Recommendations for Mitigating the Risk of Software Vulnerabilities;
  • CNSSI 1253, Security Categorization and Control Selection for National Security Systems;
  • DOD Instruction 5200.44 – Trusted Systems and Networks; and DoD Instruction 5000.90 – Cybersecurity for Acquisition Decision Authorities and Program Managers

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience managing Other Transaction Authority (OTA) efforts
• Advanced Degree (MA/MS) and 5 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 5 years of which must be in the DoD.
  • OR, BA/BS degree, and 10 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 5 of which must be in the DoD.
  • OR, 20 years of directly-related experience, 10 of which must be in the DoD.
• Previous experience supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center
• Must have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate between multiple stakeholders and to interface and communicate well with Government customer.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be proficient user of MS Office applications.
• Must exhibit dedication to achieving the highest standards of quality.

Security Clearance Requirement: Must have an active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

 Desired Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.