Programmer Lead

Colorado Network Staffing; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) seeks an experienced Programmer Lead to support USAFA, Colorado Springs, CO. The role focuses on installation planning, asset management, and program development for a broad range of facility management and construction initiatives.

The position requires on-site work at USAFA, collaboration with multiple Air Force divisions, and leadership of a multidisciplinary A&E team to ensure mission-aligned facility requirements and funding strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Construction Management, or related technical discipline).
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry.
• Minimum of five (5) years of project management experience at a senior or comparable level.
• Ability to work in person and on-site at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Lead the installation planning team to manage Facility AMP and coordinate project authorizations.
• Define project requirements and scopes to support current and future mission needs.
• Develop facility project requirements and documentation for sustainment, restoration, modernization, and construction initiatives.
• Coordinate programming requirements with USAFA mission partners.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: CO, Air Force Academy, 80840 - Air Force Academy, CO 80840Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 Salary/yearJob Shift: DayJob Category: Government - FederalAbsolutely — I added those qualifications and completed the description so it follows the same full CNS structure as the other job descriptions we’ve been building. The project details, salary, experience requirements, CAC requirement, and USAFA assignment are also consistent with the original Programmer Lead requisition.

Programmer Lead

Location: U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) - Colorado Springs, CO

Company: Colorado Network Staffing (CNS)

Position Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $90,000-$130,000 annually

Anticipated Start Date: March 1, 2026

Position Summary

Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) is seeking an experienced Programmer Lead to support Installation Engineering and Installation Management functions for the Civil Engineer Squadron at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This position will support a multidisciplinary Architecture and Engineering (A&E) team of more than 50 professionals providing facility management, engineering, planning, and infrastructure support at USAFA.

The program supports an eight-year contract period extending from 2026 through 2034 and encompasses a broad range of facility management services, including planning, programming, design, asset management, construction inspection, energy management, real estate, environmental and cultural resources, space planning, CAD, GIS, cost estimating, and related installation management functions.

The Programmer Lead will serve in a leadership role within the installation planning team and will be responsible for managing the Facility Asset Management Plan (AMP), coordinating project authorizations, developing project requirements, and supporting the programming of Facility Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM) and Military Construction (MILCON) projects.

This position requires extensive collaboration with the Engineering Flight, Civil Engineering Operations Flight, USAFA mission partners, and other stakeholders to ensure facility requirements, project documentation, funding strategies, and long-range planning efforts support current and future Air Force mission needs.

Essential Functions

Installation Planning & Programming

• Manage the Facility AMP and independently coordinate project authorizations as a lead member of the installation planning team.
• Identify and define project requirements and scopes to support current and future mission needs.
• Develop facility project requirements and supporting documentation for sustainment, restoration, modernization, and construction initiatives.
• Coordinate programming requirements with the Engineering Flight, Civil Engineering Operations Flight, and other USAFA mission partners.
• Assist with documenting requirements and obtaining the authority and resources necessary to accomplish programmed work.
• Support long-range installation planning and facility investment priorities.
• Provide technical and programming guidance to stakeholders throughout project development.

FSRM & MILCON Programming

• Provide advice and assistance to the Engineering Flight in writing, coordinating, reviewing, and processing DD Form 1391s.
• Support Facility Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM) and Military Construction (MILCON) project development.
• Manage development of DD Form 1391 documentation, threshold reporting, and compliance with applicable Air Force Instructions (AFIs).
• Develop and submit project lists associated with the Base Comprehensive Asset Management Plan (BCAMP), MILCON, Unspecified Minor Military Construction (UMMC), Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP), and other applicable programs.
• Support development of documentation for pre-acquisition activities associated with FSRM and MILCON projects.
• Ensure project programming documentation is complete, accurate, and coordinated with appropriate stakeholders.

Project Development & Documentation

• Develop detailed project justifications and supporting programming documentation.
• Prepare space requirement calculations, site plans, project scopes, and other required deliverables.
• Coordinate project information with Higher Headquarters (HHQ) authorization tools and applicable Air Force programming processes.
• Integrate project funding timelines with design and construction schedules.
• Review and verify project information for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Maintain organized project programming records and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary technical personnel to develop comprehensive facility requirements.

Cost Estimating & Funding Support

• Develop Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) construction cost estimates using government-provided estimating software or comparable cost-estimating resources.
• Support development of preliminary project budgets and anticipated funding requirements.
• Obtain and verify information necessary to justify facility requirements and funding requests.
• Assist with documentation supporting projects requiring Congressional funding approval.
• Coordinate anticipated funding timelines with project planning, acquisition, design, and construction schedules.
• Support development of documentation required to obtain project authorization and resources.

Asset Management & BCAMP Support

• Provide advice and technical support in the development of the Base Comprehensive Asset Management Plan (BCAMP).
• Work with the Civil Engineering Operations Flight and other USAFA mission partners through the asset management process to identify and develop requirements.
• Assist with prioritizing facility requirements based on mission needs, facility conditions, available resources, and applicable programming criteria.
• Support development of project requirements identified through asset management and long-range facility planning activities.
• Coordinate asset management information with project programming and authorization processes.

Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve in a leadership capacity within the installation planning and programming team.
• Coordinate with Air Force personnel, engineers, architects, construction professionals, planners, and other project stakeholders.
• Provide programming guidance and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate complex project, funding, and facility requirements clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintain effective working relationships with USAFA personnel and mission partners.
• Participate in project meetings, planning sessions, and coordination activities.
• Perform additional duties as required to support installation engineering, planning, programming, and asset management objectives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, preferably Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry.
• Minimum of five (5) years of project management experience at a senior or comparable level.
• Ability to work in person and on-site at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
• Ability to interact and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders on a daily basis.
• Strong understanding of project planning, programming, scope development, and project documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple project requirements, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to successfully complete and maintain required background screening and federal facility-access requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron programming experience.
• Knowledge of Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC).
• Experience developing and processing DD Form 1391s.
• Experience with FSRM and MILCON project programming.
• Experience with BCAMP and Air Force asset management processes.
• Knowledge of applicable Air Force Instructions and facility programming requirements.
• Experience developing ROM construction cost estimates.
• Experience supporting federal contracts and/or Department of Defense facility programs.
• Experience coordinating with Air Force Civil Engineering Squadrons and mission partners.
• Completion of applicable Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) training courses, including:
  • WMGT 331
  • WMGT 417
  • WMGT 423
  • WENG 400
  • WENG 500

Key Competencies

• Air Force Facility Programming
• Installation Planning
• Facility Asset Management
• FSRM & MILCON Programming
• DD Form 1391 Development
• BCAMP
• Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC)
• Project Scope Development
• ROM Cost Estimating
• Project Management
• Capital Planning & Programming
• Funding & Authorization Coordination
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Technical Documentation
• Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Written & Verbal Communication

Work Environment

This position is full-time and located on-site at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Work will be performed primarily within a professional office and federal installation environment with regular interaction with Air Force Civil Engineering personnel, mission partners, engineers, architects, planners, construction professionals, and other project stakeholders.

The position may also require periodic visits to facilities, infrastructure sites, construction areas, or other locations throughout the installation to support project planning and programming activities.

Physical Demands

This position primarily requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, operate a computer and standard office equipment, review technical drawings and project documentation, attend meetings, and communicate effectively with project stakeholders.

The employee may occasionally be required to walk through facilities, construction areas, or other project locations throughout USAFA.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, exempt position. Standard work hours will generally align with normal project and USAFA business operations. Additional hours may occasionally be required to support project deadlines, programming requirements, meetings, or other mission needs.

Travel

This position is primarily based at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Local travel throughout the installation and occasional project-related travel may be required.

The position may require the occasional operation of a vehicle in support of assigned project responsibilities.

Work Authorization / Security Clearance

• Must meet applicable U.S. citizenship requirements associated with the contract.
• Must be able to successfully complete and maintain required federal background screening.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC) as required by the position.
• Must meet all applicable federal contract and installation security requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

CNS complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination requirements governing recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, training, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change based on contract requirements, project conditions, USAFA mission requirements, and client needs.