Autonomy Program Manager — Defense Tech for Warfighter Impact

Riverside Research Institute; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research Institute is seeking a Program Manager with a strong background in military operational experience and autonomous systems engineering to support the DoD’s rapid prototyping and DIU initiatives. This role emphasizes delivering outcomes for warfighters, managing budgets, and driving cross-functional collaboration.

The position supports DIU Autonomy programs with responsibilities across lifecycle management, stakeholder engagement, and contract coordination, located in Arlington,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in program management (DoD acquisition, tech transition, or rapid prototyping).
• Familiarity with autonomous systems engineering to assess vendor claims and ask the right questions.
• Experience writing SOWs, building schedules, issuing task orders, or managing similar project documentation.

Responsibilities

• Champion the needs of the warfighter throughout program development and execution.
• Drive program lifecycle from problem definition to solution deployment and transition.
• Engage with DoD customers and industry to identify capability gaps and align with commercial solutions.
• Lead cross-functional teams of civilians, military, and contractors to enable program success.
• Serve as Autonomy SME and share technical expertise with team and leadership.
• Collaborate with Acquisition and other PMs on contract matters.
• Establish KPIs, monitor program health, and report outcomes to senior leadership.

Skills

Program management

Autonomous systems engineering

SOWs & scheduling

Stakeholder coordination

DoD/USG + commercial experience

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree minimum

Master's degree preferred

PhD welcomed

Job description

Riverside Research Institute is seeking a Program Manager with a strong background in military operational experience and autonomous systems engineering to support the DoD’s rapid prototyping and DIU initiatives. This role emphasizes delivering outcomes for warfighters, managing budgets, and driving cross-functional collaboration.

The position supports DIU Autonomy programs with responsibilities across lifecycle management, stakeholder engagement, and contract coordination, located in Arlington,