Program Manager - BTO

ECS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS in Arlington, Virginia, is seeking a Program Manager for DARPA BTO SETA Support. The role involves leading contract management, overseeing personnel performance, and maintaining high-quality advisory support for DARPA Program Managers. The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related fields, a DoD Secret clearance ability, and experience in managing federal contracts. This opportunity also requires excellent leadership and communication skills in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage contractor personnel performance and coordination.
• Experience serving as a Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager.
• Prior experience in supporting a DARPA Technical Office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with the Government ADPM, COR, and CO.
• Manage and oversee contractor personnel including performance management.
• Lead recruiting and staffing efforts for SETA positions.

Skills

Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance

Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Prior experience managing a SETA contract

Strong understanding of DARPA technical office environment

Experience recruiting and managing specialized personnel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field

Job description

Program Manager – DARPA BTO SETA Support

This position is contingent upon contract award.

ECS is pursuing a contract to provide Science, Engineering, and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO).

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with the Government ADPM, COR, and CO for all contract management matters.
• Manage and oversee contractor personnel, including performance management, issue resolution, and team coordination.
• Lead recruiting, hiring, and staffing efforts to ensure SETA positions are filled with highly qualified technical personnel.
• Maintain staffing continuity and proactively address personnel performance or availability issues.
• Ensure contractor staff deliver high‑quality advisory support to DARPA Program Managers and maintain alignment with BTO priorities.
• Oversee overall contract operations, reporting, and workforce planning in a fast‑paced DARPA R&D environment.

Required Skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Prior experience managing a SETA contract supporting a DARPA Technical Office within the past five (5) years.
• Experience serving as a Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager on a federal contract.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting, staffing, and managing specialized technical personnel.
• Strong understanding of the DARPA technical office environment and program management structure.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to serve as the primary interface with Government stakeholders.

Desired Skills

• Prior experience supporting DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO).
• Familiarity with biotechnology, bioengineering, or life sciences research programs.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary SETA teams supporting R&D programs.
• Experience operating in high‑tempo federal research and development environments.

ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law.