Science and Engineering Research Program Manager SME

Chenega Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm is seeking a Science and Engineering Research Program Manager for work at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in systems engineering and at least five years of program management experience within the defense sector. This role includes overseeing research initiatives related to human performance and providing subject matter expertise. Desired skills include project management, analytical techniques, and experience in research environments. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in engineering program management within the Department of War or equivalent industry.
• DAWIA certification in Engineering & Technical Management or PMP certification preferred.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and AI management tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Apply scientific methods to define and assess project feasibility.
• Deliver technical briefings and ensure all documentation meets standards.

Skills

Research and development experience

Communication skills

Analytical techniques

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or related Engineering

Master’s degree in engineering or related domains

Job description

Summary

AJANTA CONSULTING, LLC

Wright Patterson AFB, OH

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON BID AWARD

The Science and Engineering Research Program Manager (SME) will provide subject matter expertise to the Airman Systems Directorate, Airman Biosciences Division (711 HPW/RHB) in support of research and technology evaluation initiatives spanning hazard mitigation, public health, contingency operations, performance enhancement, human systems integration, and clinical aerospace medicine, including aeromedical evacuation. This role supports the Defense Health Program (DHP) Medical Human Performance Portfolio by working directly with the Product Line Lead and Lead Program Manager, as well as R&D personnel and laboratories executing the medical human performance research mission, to advance Air Force Medical Command research interests through the development of individualized high-performance integrated systems and health readiness solutions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with multi-disciplinary integrated product teams, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively, establish working relationships, coordinate technical exchanges, and manage expectations across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Applies rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis, employing scientific and analytical techniques to define, quantify, and assess the feasibility of assigned projects, studies, and problems.
• Performs independent analysis leading to unique recommendations and viable courses of action for complex technology challenges.
• Identifies additional questions to be answered, provides or critiques essential elements of analysis, proposes alternatives for consideration, and recommends analytical techniques to be employed.
• Transitions scientific results from the research environment to the operational community and/or end users.
• Assists with managing the portfolio's cost constraints, technical performance, schedule, and risk to ensure the successful delivery of technical objectives and products within established timelines.
• Prepares and delivers technical briefings, reports, and presentations, ensuring all program documentation and deliverables meet professional and organizational standards.
• Works independently to design research studies and agreements, applying strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and initiative.
• Performs additional support functions within the scope of the Science and Engineering Research Program Manager role for the DHP Medical Human Performance Portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or related Engineering.
• Master’s degree in engineering or in a scientific domain related to systems engineering, human performance or human effectiveness Preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in engineering program management within the Department of War (DoW) (previously Department of Defense); equivalent industry environment; or combination thereof.
• Possess DAWIA career field certification (Practitioner) in Engineering & Technical Management (ETM) Preferred OR Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience working in a research and development program and/or studies surrounding human systems integration Preferred.
• Experience with program utilizing Agile methodologies and incorporating AI management tools Preferred.
• Knowledge and expertise in a systems discipline (e.g., systems engineering, human systems integration, modeling and analysis) involving systems thinking and a systems approach to problem definition and solution.
• Ability to direct the development of, review, and approve key technical documentation for both software and hardware development. Examples include reviewing and/or contributing to technical documentation such as Technical Roadmaps, System Design Documents, Use Cases, System Topologies, Test plans, Product Transition Plans, and Technical Proposals.
• Knowledge and experience in direct management of technical planning, risk management, and technology transition strategy development and management.
• Ability to follow through on complex, long‑term projects.

Physical Demands

• Travel may be required.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee may use repeated motions that include the arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.