Program Manager

Darkwolfsolutions; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Darkwolfsolutions is seeking a Program Manager in Herndon, VA to lead technical initiatives within the autonomous systems portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess 10-15 years of experience in program management and leading engineering teams.

Responsibilities include managing diverse engineering efforts, adopting new technologies, and ensuring compliance with technical policies. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience is required, along with US citizenship and a Secret Security clearance.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD).
• 6+ years of project and program management experience.
• US Citizenship and an active Secret Security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leading and guiding engineering teams across a diverse portfolio of tools.
• Driving the adoption of new technologies and processes.
• Managing technical functions across the program portfolio.

Skills

Technical leadership skills

Analytic ability

Project management

Adoption of new technologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Engineering or related discipline

3+ years of applicable experience in lieu of degree

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 discipline OR 3+ 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 active Secret Security 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 Minority/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. 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.