Program Manager - DARPA

Chimera Enterprises International, Inc (Chimera); Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Chimera Enterprises International, Inc (Chimera) is seeking a Senior Program Manager located in Arlington, Virginia. This position will lead contractor support to a high-visibility defense research and development portfolio. Key responsibilities include overseeing contractor activities, ensuring financial management support, and managing personnel leadership efforts.

The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of experience, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and an active Top Secret security clearance. Strong leadership and program management skills are essential.

The role offers the opportunity to interact with senior Government leadership and contribute to significant defense initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience planning, directing, and coordinating operations.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory role supporting major research and development efforts.
• Active Top Secret (TS) clearance required; SCI eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all contractor activities.
• Ensure business and financial management support is effectively delivered.
• Oversee acquisition-related support across the full lifecycle of program actions.
• Manage workforce stability and continuity across the contract.

Skills

Program and portfolio management in a defense or R&D environment

Strong leadership

Workforce management

Stakeholder engagement capabilities

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Excellent communication

Briefing and technical writing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, management, engineering, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)

Job description

Overview

Job Summary: We are seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead contractor support to a high‑visibility defense research and development portfolio. This position oversees the day‑to‑day execution of a complex mix of financial, administrative, acquisition, and technical support activities. As a designated Key Person, you will manage a multidisciplinary team, ensure performance meets demanding quality standards, and serve as a primary interface to senior Government leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all contractor activities supporting the customer’s office. Help senior leadership execute strategic plans and priorities, translating broad guidance into coordinated actions across the team.
• Ensure business and financial management support—such as planning, executing, and tracking front‑office and program budgets—are effectively delivered, and that financial products and reports are accurate, timely, and decision‑ready.
• Direct administrative support to the front office, including management of taskings, calendars, meetings, events, travel coordination, and records, ensuring day‑to‑day operations run smoothly and professionally.
• Oversee acquisition‑related support across the full lifecycle of program actions, coordinating solicitation materials, documentation, and communication with contracting and legal stakeholders on schedule.
• In partnership with senior technical and analytical staff, coordinate support for research and development transition activities, including stakeholder engagement, formal agreement documentation, transition analysis, and related communication products.
• Lead personnel leadership efforts, managing workforce stability, coverage, backfill planning, and continuity across the contract, with emphasis on performance and availability of key personnel.
• Ensure key positions are staffed on time and manage changes to minimize mission disruption.
• Participate in formal reviews and governance meetings with Government counterparts, address issues promptly and professionally, and seek opportunities to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, management, engineering, or a related field
• Experience:
  • Minimum 6 years of experience planning, directing, and coordinating operations in public or private sector organizations
  • Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and executing plans for overall contract management, including contract administration, security, training, and quality assurance
  • At least 3 years in a supervisory role supporting major research and development efforts for defense or national security organizations
  • Proven experience providing regulatory compliance oversight and approval of contract‑related expenses
• Security Clearance:
  • Active Top Secret (TS) clearance required; SCI eligibility preferred
• Key Skills:
  • Program and portfolio management in a defense or R&D environment
  • Strong leadership, workforce management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and collaboration tools
  • Excellent communication, briefing, and technical writing skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading contractor support to DARPA or similar advanced research organizations
• Background working with financial management, acquisition, and technical teams on integrated support contracts
• Prior experience serving as key personnel on Federal advisory and assistance (A&AS) or SETA contracts