PROGRAM MANAGER

MIKEL invests in people and technology – empowering the creative process, building responsive relationships, and propelling innovative solutions from conception to completion for the U.S. Navy. MIKEL is a small woman owned business that has been providing Undersea Warfare Solutions to the Department of Defense since the company’s inception in 1999. 

Be a part of our dynamic team whose solutions and services enable the Navy to solve their toughest problems and meet their mission requirements. We have undersea operations experience, combined with engineering and specific subject matter expertise, that provides an in-depth understanding of the problem and a novel, innovative and cost-effective solution. MIKEL is committed to providing an environment that challenges its employees to use and advance their skills and knowledge to provide solutions that exceed customer expectations.

Position: Program Manager

Nature of Role: As a Program Manager you will support four major departments of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Keyport WA. You will provide engineering support services for work occurring in the Test and Evaluation Department (Code 20); the Undersea Weapons Department (Code 30); the Undersea Systems & Sustainment Engineering Department (Code 40), and the Unmanned and Theater Undersea Warfare Systems Department (Code 50). This work includes Test, Training, and Evaluation (TT&E) of Undersea Warfare (USW) systems and operational readiness assessment support; repair services for mechanical, electro-mechanical, and electronics systems, assemblies, and components; engineering, production, and test services for assemblies, technical data, and components of varying complexity and life-cycle support of combat and weapon systems.

Responsibilities:

A Program Manager is a high-visibility, senior-level leader responsible for the comprehensive oversight of a government contract's execution, serving as the primary liaison between the contractor and U.S. Navy stakeholders. This role manages the technical, financial, and administrative performance across multiple projects to ensure alignment with overarching Navy/MRC objectives and successful delivery of mission-critical capabilities.

• Stakeholder Interface: The PM serves as the primary point of contact for government customers, managing relationships and communicating program status, risks, and performance.
• Program Planning & Execution: Plan, organize, direct, and manage complex, often multi-year, program initiatives, ensuring adherence to contract requirements, performance metrics, and technical specifications.
• Financial & Resource Management: Oversee program budgets, control costs, manage financial projections (e.g., EAC/ETC), and allocate resources effectively across cross-functional teams and subcontractors.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify program risks and issues, develop mitigation strategies and corrective actions, and incorporate lessons learned for future planning.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor assigned technical and administrative staff, including subordinate project managers, promoting a culture of quality and continuous process improvement.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure all program activities and deliverables comply with relevant government and corporate policies, security protocols, and quality standards (e.g., RMF, PMP standards).
• Business Development: Participate in business development activities, including identifying new opportunities, engaging with clients to understand requirements, and assisting with proposal development.

Job Requirements

• Experience: A minimum of 8-10 years in program/project management, with significant experience in a Department of Defense (DoD) contracting environment, preferably supporting the Navy.
• Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III certification in Program Management is often highly desired.
• Security Clearance: The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, strategic planning, analytical, and negotiation skills are essential for success in this role.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong project/program management fundamentals (scope, schedule, cost, risk).
• Experience in Naval environments (ship systems, fleet operations).
• Leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Understanding of DoD/Navy acquisition and contracting processes.
• The ideal candidate will have an understanding of military specifications and requirements, and other lifecycle documents used to support military systems.
• U.S. Navy submarine/underwater warfare system experience a plus.

Work Location: Keyport, Washington State

MIKEL offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401k Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Tuition Reimbursement.

Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance or higher is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.