Scientific Program Manager

Computational Physics Inc; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Computational Physics Inc as an Observatory Program Specialist, where you'll leverage your extensive program management experience to assist the Celestial Reference Frame Department at the US Naval Observatory. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with high-level stakeholders while contributing to critical defense and intelligence projects.

Benefits

401(k) and Profit Sharing

Flexible schedule

Health, Dental and Vision insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in program management.
• Experience in Aerospace, Astronomy, or Engineering is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assist with budget monitoring and purchasing tracking.
• Provide program reporting to department head.
• Build relationships with internal partners and senior external stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field

Tools

MS Office

MS Excel

MS Teams

Job description

Are you looking for a position that leverages your experience in program management to help clients implement and monitor their processes? Do you have a high attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to learn new tools and technologies in a dynamic work environment? Join CPI's growing team of innovative professionals who genuinely care about our commitments to clients as an Observatory Program Specialist! In this role, you will work directly with the client at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) using your program management capabilities to provide the Celestial Reference Frame (CRF) Department with process control and acquisition tracking for projects across all divisions of the department.

The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) is responsible for the production and dissemination of precise parameters concerning time, star positions, and the earth's rotation to the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community (IC), other users such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), non-US Government civilians and international users. This role requires excellent communication skills and a candidate comfortable managing protocol support for official functions, foreign dignitaries, distinguished visitors, and Flag/General officers and Senior Executives.

The successful candidate will:

• Assist with budget monitoring, spending plan development, purchasing and purchase tracking, tracking of funds and fund disbursement, and other program level monitoring.
• Provide program reporting as appropriate to the CRF department head.
• Closely track the purchase request (PR) process and CRF financial data and proactively address issues as they arise.
• Leverage your strong communication skills to build relationships with internal partners and senior-level external stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain associated documentation.
• Participate in special projects, event planning, and related activities as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in program management.
• Experience in program management for Aerospace, Astronomy, Physics and Engineering is a plus.
• Advanced MS Office, including MS Excel and MS Teams abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills with experience in structured organizations.
• Strong time management skills.
• Experience with purchasing and budgeting processes.
• U.S. citizenship is required by our contract with the Navy.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret level security clearance.

About CPI

We love science! We study the physical properties of the Earth and our atmosphere, neighboring planets, and the sun. We make the study of science practical by translating our findings into products, both hardware and software, that make our customer's lives easier and better. CPI has served various U.S. Government agencies, universities, international science organizations, prime contractors and commercial customers for over 40 years. CPI is an employee-owned company - our team members receive company stock. Employee ownership motivates and empowers increased productivity, contribution to the longevity of the business, improved retention, and enhanced employee engagement.

Why Work for Us?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Positive, upbeat, and transparent company culture with opportunities for self-development and career advancement.
• Employee-owned small business that allows team members to learn from each other and take ownership.

Benefits

• 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental Leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. https://www.cpi.com/index.html#contact