Program Manager

Program Manager

26-096

Invariant Corporation is seeking a talented and motivated Program Manager with more than 8 years' experience to lead Internal Research and Development programs, drive technology innovation strategy, and bridge technical excellence with business growth opportunities. This role requires equal depth in technical engineering and business strategy, managing the company's self-funded R&D investments to maintain technological competitive advantage while delivering measurable returns on investment.

Duties Include

• Execute technology development programs within the company's IRAD strategy, aligning technology investments with market opportunities, customer needs, and long-term business objectives while managing the annual IRAD portfolio budget
• Build compelling business cases for IRAD projects, including market analysis, competitive intelligence, ROI projections, and technology maturation roadmaps
• Lead multidisciplinary technical teams across concurrent IRAD projects, overseeing rigorous execution from requirements through prototyping, testing, and technology demonstration
• Define technical objectives, success criteria, and performance metrics for each IRAD effort, ensuring measurable advancement beyond state-of-the-art and proper TRL progression
• Assess technical risk and feasibility, making data-driven decisions on project continuation, redirection, or termination while ensuring systems engineering best practices
• Interface with executive leadership, customers, and program managers to present IRAD recommendations, technical progress, and commercialization strategies
• Develop capture strategies that leverage IRAD developments into funded programs, proposals, and new business opportunities
• Drive innovation in C-UAS, precision strike, sensor fusion, autonomy, or other relevant defense technology domains, facilitating transition from research into production programs
• Coordinate intellectual property strategy with legal counsel and ensure proper IRAD cost accounting, allocation rates, and compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations
• Engage with government stakeholders, industry partners, universities, and research institutions to establish thought leadership, extend innovation reach, and build strategic partnerships

Requirements

• Minimum Active Secret Clearance or eligibility
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship is a requirement for positions requiring a Security Clearance

Education Requirements:

Candidate must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering field with a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional communication skills with ability to engage audiences from engineers to C-suite executives
• Track record of leading cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Strategic thinking with ability to balance short-term execution with long-term vision
• Data-driven decision maker comfortable with ambiguity and calculated risk-taking
• Strong negotiation and influence skills across organizational boundaries

Preferred Skills

• Active Top Secret clearance
• Published papers, patents, or recognized contributions to technical community
• Experience with technology licensing or commercialization activities
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and rapid prototyping approaches
• Direct experience transitioning IRAD technology into production programs or product lines
• Knowledge of emerging technologies: AI/ML, digital engineering, additive manufacturing, advanced materials

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods of time at desk, in telecoms/meetings with peers, management
• Lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to use stairs for access between floors and multiple buildings at customer worksites, Invariant facilities, and during travel

Work Environment

• Office, Lab, and field environment

This position is expected to be performed only in the state of Alabama. Subject to the provisions of Code of Alabama§ 40-18-370, the Company shall give good faith consideration to Alabama residents for employment at the Project.

All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Invariant is a drug-free workplace.