Senior Defense Program Manager | TS/SCI Clearance

Celestar Holdings Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Personal time off

Job summary

Celestar Corporation, a leading defense and security contractor, seeks a Program Manager to support the DARPA PSS task order in Arlington, VA. The role requires active TS/SCI and extensive DoD/government program experience, with oversight of complex security services and large teams.

The position provides competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work on critical national security programs. Anticipated start in March 2027 with a 1 base year and 4 option years.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of related experience or an Associate’s degree with 15 years of related experience.
• Experience directing a multidiscipline security organization for Federal Government in a classified program environment.
• At least 5 years directing and managing 75+ personnel on a Federal Government support contract.
• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with Government leadership.
• R&D management experience is highly desired.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Written communication

Verbal communication

Security program management

R&D management

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of related experience

Associate’s degree with 15 years of related experience

Job description

Celestar Corporation, a leading defense and security contractor, seeks a Program Manager to support the DARPA PSS task order in Arlington, VA. The role requires active TS/SCI and extensive DoD/government program experience, with oversight of complex security services and large teams.

The position provides competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work on critical national security programs. Anticipated start in March 2027 with a 1 base year and 4 option years.