Program Manager

Dark Wolf Solutions, LLC; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Dark Wolf Solutions, LLC in Herndon, VA is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead technical initiatives within their autonomous systems portfolio. You will manage engineering teams and drive the adoption of new technologies, ensuring compliance with technical policies.

The ideal candidate will have 10-15 years of experience, particularly in supporting the Department of Defense, along with a strong background in project management and technical leadership.

The estimated salary range is between $150,000 and $180,000 based on experience and skills.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• 12+ years supporting the Department of Defense (DoD).
• 6+ years of project and program management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical initiatives within the autonomous systems portfolio.
• Lead engineering teams across diverse tools and functions.
• Integrate new technologies into existing platforms.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project management

Adopting new technologies

Communication with non-technical stakeholders

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Engineering, or related discipline OR 3+ years of applicable experience

Job description

Dark Wolf is seeking a Program Manager to oversee technical initiatives and work efforts within our autonomous systems portfolio. The ideal candidate will have 10–15 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams and a strong background in managing complex technical projects. While the primary focus of this role is high-level program management and technical leadership, a preferred candidate will possess a cursory operational understanding of specialized testing environments, specifically hardware and software penetration testing methodologies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or autonomous systems. This position is expected to be supported in a Hybrid capacity in Herndon, VA.

• Leading and guiding engineering teams of varied skill sets across a diverse portfolio of tools and functions.
• Driving the adoption and implementation of new and emerging technologies and processes.
• Managing technical functions and work efforts across the program portfolio.
• Architecting and engineering secure solutions to protect critical data, platforms, and systems.
• Leading efforts to integrate new technologies into existing platforms to enhance operational posture and resilience.
• Interfacing with technical teams to maintain high-level situational awareness of specialized cyber operations, including hardware/software penetration testing frameworks for tactical platforms (e.g., UAVs, autonomous systems).
• Ensuring compliance with emerging technical policies and requirements.
• Presenting complex technical information—spanning both core infrastructure and specialized edge/UAV environments—to non-technical stakeholders clearly and effectively.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Engineering, or related disciplineOR3+ years of applicable experience in lieu of degree.
• 12+ years of experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD).
• 6+ years of project and program management experience.
• Proven track record in adopting and implementing new and emerging technologies in technical environments.
• Possesses strong technical leadership skills and analytic ability.
• US Citizenship and an activeSecretsecurity clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• A basic familiarity or cursory understanding of the hardware, firmware, and software vulnerabilities associated with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous systems.
• General awareness of penetration testing concepts for embedded devices, vehicle networks, or RF communication protocols.

The estimated salary range for this position is $150,000.00 - $180,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset.

We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer. Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories are encouraged to apply. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.