Program Manager (Senior)

Description

JOB SUMMARY

AS A SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER FOR INNOVATION PROGRAMS, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LEADING, COORDINATING, AND MANAGING COMPLEX PROJECTS AIMED AT FOSTERING INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES WITHIN U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. YOU WILL OVERSEE ALL ASPECTS OF PROJECT EXECUTION, INCLUDING PLANNING, SCHEDULING, RESOURCE ALLOCATION, AND RISK MANAGEMENT, ENSURING THAT PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED ON TIME, WITHIN SCOPE, AND ON BUDGET.

THIS ROLE REQUIRES STRONG LEADERSHIP SKILLS, A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES, AND A PASSION FOR DRIVING CHANGE AND INNOVATION. YOU WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS AND GOVERNMENT STAKEHOLDERS TO DELIVER PROJECTS THAT ADVANCE GOVERNMENT CAPABILITIES THROUGH CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS, SUCH AS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AUTOMATION, AND ADVANCED ANALYTICS. 

THIS ROLE IS A KEY PART OF THE INNOVATION TEAM, AND YOU WILL COLLABORATE WITH CROSS-FUNCTIONAL GROUPS TO INTEGRATE ADVANCED SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INTO AEROSPACE SYSTEMS, ENSURING MISSION SUCCESS AND ENHANCING CAPABILITIES WITHIN FEDERAL PROGRAMS.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Planning & Execution:

Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, resource requirements, and milestones, to ensure the successful delivery of innovation projects. Monitor project progress and make adjustments as needed to meet objectives.

• Innovation Leadership:

Lead and manage projects focused on integrating emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, automation, and other advanced innovations, into government operations. Identify opportunities to leverage new technologies to improve processes and mission outcomes.

• Stakeholder Collaboration:

Act as the primary point of contact for government clients, contractors, and team members. Engage with key stakeholders to define project goals, expectations, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with agency mission and innovation objectives.

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership:

Lead multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, data scientists, analysts, and other technical personnel, to drive innovation projects from conception to completion. Foster collaboration across teams to solve complex challenges.

• Risk Management & Mitigation:

Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success. Regularly assess project risks and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.

• Budget Management & Resource Allocation:

Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure efficient resource allocation. Ensure projects are delivered within financial constraints while meeting technical and performance goals.

• Reporting & Documentation:

Prepare and deliver regular project status reports, presentations, and updates to government clients and stakeholders. Ensure all project documentation, including scope, requirements, and post-project evaluation reports, are completed and maintained.

• Process Improvement:

Implement and refine project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid) to improve project efficiency and outcomes. Drive continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to optimize processes and workflows.

• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

Ensure that all project activities are in compliance with applicable regulations, security requirements, and government standards. Work closely with legal and compliance teams to address any potential risks or issues.

WHY WORK FOR GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed. 

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams to project success.
• Expertise in project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Budget management and financial acumen, with experience managing multimillion-dollar projects.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, or similar tools).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing innovation-focused projects within federal agencies (e.g., AFWERX, ARCWERX, or other innovation labs).
• Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience in technology-driven fields such as software development, aerospace, defense, or IT systems integration.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• MA/MS Degree or;
• Education substitution for MA/MS degree: BA/BS degree and 8 years’ relevant work experience, or: 
• Education substitution for MA/MS degree: 12 years’ relevant work experience (no degree)

Experience:

• 10 years of experience in project management, with a focus on innovation, technology, or government contracting.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, complex projects in an innovation-focused or technology-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success in delivering projects involving emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, automation).
• Experience working in government or defense sectors, with a strong understanding of government contracting processes.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a minimum of an active U.S. SECRET clearance and be subject to a government security investigation. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Position may travel up to 50% of the time out of state and overnight to fulfill contract requirements.