Program Manager - Defense Software & Technology Programs

Nickerson Talent Solutions; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 162,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Nickerson Talent Solutions in Austin, TX is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead DoD software development, systems integration, and sustainment programs for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

The role requires active Secret clearance and a track record managing complex software and systems projects in defense environments. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer requirements, and drive program execution from planning through

Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance and ability to maintain the clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, CS, Management or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 6+ years of DoD project or program management experience.
• Experience managing software development, systems integration, engineering, or technical programs.
• Experience with Engineering Change Proposals, contract modifications, or requirements management.
• Experience with program scheduling, cost management, and performance metrics.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20 percent domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple DoD programs or projects through all phases of contract execution.
• Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, revenue, margin, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, resource plans, execution baselines, and performance objectives.
• Lead software development, systems integration, engineering integration, and sustainment activities.
• Manage Engineering Change Proposals, contract modifications, requirements changes, and customer-directed changes.
• Identify, track, and mitigate programmatic and technical risks and opportunities.
• Lead customer meetings, Integrated Product Team meetings, milestone reviews, and program briefings.
• Coordinate geographically dispersed technical and cross-functional teams across Engineering, Contracts, Finance, Procurement, and Operations.
• Manage program documentation including Program Management Plans, Risk Management Plans, and Monthly Status Reports.
• Support proposal development, basis of estimate development, follow-on opportunities, and new contract awards.

Skills

DoD program management

Software development management

Systems integration

Contract modifications

Requirements management

Scheduling & cost management

Risk management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, CS, Management

Job description

Program Manager - Defense Software & Technology Programs

Location: Austin, TX

Salary: Up to $180,000 Base + Bonus

Employment Type: Full-Time

Security Clearance: Active Secret Required

Travel: Up to 20 percent

Job Overview

• We are seeking an experienced Project Manager or Program Manager to lead software development, systems integration, and sustainment programs supporting the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
• The ideal candidate will have strong DoD program or project management experience within software, systems integration, engineering, aerospace, or defense environments.
• This role will lead cross-functional teams while managing customer requirements, contract objectives, cost, schedule, technical performance, and overall program execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple DoD programs or projects through all phases of contract execution.
• Manage program cost, schedule, technical performance, revenue, margin, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, resource plans, execution baselines, and performance objectives.
• Lead software development, systems integration, engineering integration, and sustainment activities.
• Manage Engineering Change Proposals, contract modifications, requirements changes, and customer-directed changes.
• Identify, track, and mitigate programmatic and technical risks and opportunities.
• Lead customer meetings, Integrated Product Team meetings, milestone reviews, and program briefings.
• Coordinate geographically dispersed technical and cross-functional teams across Engineering, Contracts, Finance, Procurement, and Operations.
• Manage program documentation including Program Management Plans, Risk Management Plans, and Monthly Status Reports.
• Support proposal development, basis of estimate development, follow-on opportunities, and new contract awards.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance and ability to maintain the clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Management, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 6 or more years of DoD project or program management experience.
• Experience managing software development, systems integration, engineering, or technical programs.
• Experience with Engineering Change Proposals, contract modifications, or requirements management.
• Experience with program scheduling, cost management, and performance metrics.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to travel up to 20 percent domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, NAVWAR, NAVAIR, MCSC, or related defense organizations.
• Experience with Command and Control, Tactical Communications, Air and Missile Defense, or related defense systems.
• Experience with Earned Value Management, Agile, or DevSecOps environments.
• Experience with Cost-Plus, Firm Fixed Price, and Time-and-Materials contracts.
• Experience supporting proposals, capture activities, and customer growth initiatives.

Why Consider This Opportunity

• Lead mission-critical software development, systems integration, and sustainment programs supporting U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations.
• Work with highly technical engineering and cross-functional teams in a defense environment.
• Play a key role in program execution, customer relationships, and business performance.
• Opportunity to contribute to complex DoD programs supporting critical military capabilities.