Senior Defense Programs Operations Lead

Socket.dev; Patuxent Highland (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

AD&D and Disability

401(k) Program

Wellness programs

Paid Time Off

11 Paid Holidays

Employee Referral Program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

ACET, a veteran-owned system engineering and IT firm, seeks a Senior Operations Manager to direct the F/A-18 program at NAS Patuxent River. You will serve as the primary interface to government authorities, directing contract performance, resource allocation, and risk management to ensure technical excellence and mission readiness.

This high-visibility role requires an experienced leader with DoD familiarity and a track record of managing complex programs in naval aviation contexts.

Qualifications

• DoD Secret Security Clearance required or ability to obtain.
• MA or MS degree from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of defense program management or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Act as the overall lead and administrator for the contracted effort, ensuring all deliverables meet performance standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison to Government program authorities on technical, program, and project management matters.
• Direct, evaluate, and monitor contractor performance against SOW requirements and milestones.
• Manage strategic acquisition, allocation, and employment of program resources including personnel and budgeting.
• Identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and optimize workflows to maintain schedule and technical integrity.

Skills

Executive leadership

Program management

Negotiation

Stakeholder communication

Risk management

Education

MA or MS degree

Job description

ACET, a veteran-owned system engineering and IT firm, seeks a Senior Operations Manager to direct the F/A-18 program at NAS Patuxent River. You will serve as the primary interface to government authorities, directing contract performance, resource allocation, and risk management to ensure technical excellence and mission readiness.

This high-visibility role requires an experienced leader with DoD familiarity and a track record of managing complex programs in naval aviation contexts.