Defense & National Security Program Lead (Huntsville)

Auburn University; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University’s Applied Research Institute (ARI) seeks a Program Manager, Defense & National Security, to oversee a portfolio of defense and national security programs for federal sponsors. You will lead multidisciplinary teams through initiation to completion, ensuring schedules, budgets, quality, and compliance are met while engaging sponsors and stakeholders.

The role requires strong leadership, risk management, and communication skills in fast-paced, mission-driven environments

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• 7 years of experience managing programs or projects in U.S. government contracting.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary execution lead for all assigned DoW contracts in the ARI National Security Portfolio.
• Manages program scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables in compliance with sponsor requirements.
• Tracks and reports program status using standardized PMO controls including WBS, schedules, risk registers, and performance metrics.
• Conducts monthly internal reviews and prepares inputs for Quarterly Business Reviews with sponsors.
• Maintains strong relationships with DoW, contracting officers, and technical sponsors.
• Leads project staff, provides direction, and mentors junior staff to ensure disciplined delivery.

Skills

Program management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field

Job description

Auburn University’s Applied Research Institute (ARI) seeks a Program Manager, Defense & National Security, to oversee a portfolio of defense and national security programs for federal sponsors. You will lead multidisciplinary teams through initiation to completion, ensuring schedules, budgets, quality, and compliance are met while engaging sponsors and stakeholders.

The role requires strong leadership, risk management, and communication skills in fast-paced, mission-driven environments