Aerospace & Defense Senior Acquisition & Sustainment Program Manager

US101 Guidehouse Inc.; Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance

Life insurance

Job summary

Guidehouse is seeking a Senior Program Manager in Tysons, VA to lead large DoD engagements across acquisition, sustainment, and modernization. You will drive schedules, risk plans, and performance metrics while coordinating government, client teams, and subcontractors to deliver outcomes.

The role requires a SECRET clearance and 10+ years in DoD programs, with opportunities to shape strategy and optimize operations within a dynamic, security-focused environment.

Qualifications

• ACTIVE and MAINTAINED SECRET DoD clearance.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of DoD experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple teams on large DoD programs through all lifecycle phases.
• Serve as primary point of contact for senior government stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain integrated master schedules and risk plans.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, subcontractors, and resources.
• Identify process improvements to boost efficiency and outcomes.
• Engage stakeholders to build consensus on operating picture and roadmap.
• Research cost-effective technologies and frameworks for the future state.

Skills

DoD program management

Stakeholder management

Schedule development

Risk management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (nice to have)

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Family: Operational Effectiveness Consulting Travel Required: Up to 25% Clearance Required: Active Secret

What You Will Do: The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for leading and managing engagements with major Department of Defense (DoD) clients to improve operations and outcomes for major DoD Programs. As an experienced industry professional, the Senior Program Manager will be responsible for supporting Program Acquisition and Sustainment functions, driving alignment with cost/schedule/performance objectives, leading multiple teams of mid- and junior-level staff towards project execution, and identifying new client challenges to solve. Additional responsibilities include: Lead and manage large-scale consulting projects for major DoD weapon systems, overseeing all phases of the program lifecycle, including acquisition, sustainment, and modernization activities. Serve as the primary point of contact for senior government stakeholders, providing strategic guidance and status updates. Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, risk management plans, and performance metrics. Coordinate cross-functional teams, subcontractors, and internal resources to achieve program goals. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness. Engage with stakeholders across the client enterprise to build consensus and design solutions align with the client’s overall objectives. Develop strategies to gain customer buy-in towards a common operating picture, solution architecture, and roadmap for execution. Research and recommend cost-effective government-approved technologies, frameworks, and systems towards achieving the desired future state.

What You Will Need: An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED "SECRET" Federal or DoD security clearance Bachelor's Degree TEN (10) or more years of experience with DoD organizations.

What Would Be Nice To Have: Advanced degree in business, engineering, or related field FIFTEEN (15) or more years of experience in A&D or DoD production, acquisition, engineering and/or supply chain management. Additional certifications in Program/Project Management and/or other relevant functional areas. Experience in applying in-depth knowledge of A&D and/or DoD practices to improve operational performance and drive cost reductions and Experience managing programs for DoD weapon systems. Experience with lifecycle logistics planning and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, flexible, fast-paced environment. Ability to excel in a dynamic organization, adapting and responding quickly to new information and/or evolving requirements. Advanced proficiency with MS Office tools: Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Experience managing complex programs, ideally in DoD or A&D. Proven ability to manage complex projects, schedules, budgets, and deliverables. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Must be currently authorized to work in the country.

What We Offer:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown Tuition Reimbursement
• Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Guidehouse is a global AI‑led professional services firm delivering advisory, technology, and managed services to the commercial and government sectors. With an integrated business technology approach, Guidehouse drives efficiency and resilience in the healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and national security markets. Built to help clients across industries outwit complexity, the firm brings together approximately 18,000 professionals to achieve lasting impact and shape a meaningful future. guidehouse.com