Program Manager - DARPA PSS

Kinsley Power Systems; Arlington, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Celestar Corporation is seeking a Program Manager to support the DARPA PSS task order in Arlington, VA. The role requires active TS/SCI clearance and leadership of a multidiscipline security team on federal programs.

Salary is competitive and based on experience, with 1 base year plus options. The position is contingent upon contract award and performance metrics will be reviewed regularly with government leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of related experience or Associate’s with 15+ years.
• Experience leading a multidiscipline security organization supporting Federal Government programs.
• Directing and managing 75+ personnel on Federal Government contracts or equivalent.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and ability to interface with Government leadership.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with the Government for contract execution.
• Exercise authority to hire, manage, and dismiss personnel as necessary for contract performance.
• Ensure timely recruitment, onboarding, training, logistics, and retention of personnel.
• Notify the COR and SID of resignations or removals affecting clearance or access eligibility.
• Provide weekly status updates on vacancies and coordinate Key Personnel with SID leadership.
• Engage SID leadership and communicate issues affecting SID operations.
• Oversee accounting, inventory, purchasing, and disposition of Government-furnished equipment.
• Oversee contract deliverables and present monthly performance metrics to the COR and SID.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

R&D management

Government interface

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate’s degree

Job description

Celestar, a B&A Company, is seeking a Program Manager to support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Program Security Services (PSS) task order. If interested and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding and impactful opportunity.

ANTICIPATED AWARD: February/March 2027
ANTICIPATED START: March 2027
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:1 Base Year + 4 Option Years
LOCATION: Arlington, Virginia

Salary Range: $180,000–$240,000 annually

Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, certifications, security clearance, and contract funding. This position is contingent upon contract award.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Active TS/SCI Clearance, adjudicated within the past five (5) years

About Us

Celestar, a B&A Company, offers highly competitive salaries and benefits. Our comprehensive benefits package includes company-paid employee and family dental insurance, employee health insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage. Additionally, we provide a 401(k)-retirement plan with company matching, paid holidays, and personal time off.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with the Government for all matters associated with contract execution.
• Exercise authority to select, hire, manage, and dismiss personnel as necessary to maintain contract performance.
• Ensure timely recruitment, onboarding, training, logistics and travel support, and retention of high-quality personnel across all contract positions.
• Notify the COR and Director, SID of employee resignations and personnel removals, including issues affecting clearance or access eligibility.
• Provide weekly status updates regarding vacant positions and coordinate Key Personnel vacancies with the appropriate SID Government lead.
• Proactively engage and support SID leadership and communicate issues that may affect SID operations or activities.
• Ensure proper accounting, inventory, purchasing, and disposition of Government-furnished equipment and consumable materials.
• Oversee required contract deliverables and present monthly performance metrics to the COR and Director, SID.

Required Qualifications and Skills (Must Be Reflected on Your Resume)

• A Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of qualifying related experience -OR- an Associate’s degree with 15 years of qualifying related experience.
• Recent experience managing a multidiscipline security organization supporting the Federal Government in a classified program environment; DoD or Intelligence Community experience is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience directing and managing 75 or more personnel on a Federal Government support contract, in defense industry supporting federally funded programs, as a Federal civilian, or through military service.
• Expert leadership and mentorship capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively interface with Government leadership.
• Research and development (R&D) management experience, highly desired.

Come on board with a company that Values its Employees!

Celestar Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Celestar Corporation prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in employment based on race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex (including same-sex); sexual orientation; gender identity; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability or handicap; citizenship status; marital status; service member/protected veteran status; or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.