Senior Deployable Communications and Information Systems Program Manager

Ironclad Defense Works; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Ironclad Defense Works seeks a Senior Deployable Communications and Information Systems Program Manager to support NATO Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, VA. This Senior role focuses on program planning, risk management, and knowledge governance for deployable CIS capabilities.

The ideal candidate has five+ years in defense programs with NATO multinational experience, strong communications/IT systems background, and active SECRET clearance. On-site, full-time position in Norfolk.

Qualifications

• Degree in project/program management, electronics, computer science, telecoms, systems engineering, or related field.
• Certification in MSP, PRINCE2, or PMI may substitute for degree.
• Minimum five years in project management for communications or information systems.
• Minimum three years managing risks and issues in complex programs.
• Minimum three years applying change management in capability programs.
• Minimum three years in deployable CIS or Signals domains, NATO or multinational environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage program issues and changes using established processes and governance.
• Capture, assess, and communicate changes impacting the DCIS program.
• Maintain program issue logs and support milestone sequencing.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement across the program.
• Review Staff reports and project specs for quality and clarity.
• Apply qualitative/quantitative techniques for program quality reviews.
• Support NATO in capturing Operational Lessons Identified.
• Identify capability gaps and align with NATO CIS delivery.
• Identify and mitigate program risks; maintain risk log.
• Conduct periodic program risk assessments and reviews.
• Reconcile reporting databases to reflect project expenditures.
• Prepare information for program stakeholders.

Skills

Program management

Communications

NATO/multinational experience

Risk management

Change management

Quality reviews/audits

Executive reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field

MSP/PRINCE2/PMI certification

Tools

MSP

PRINCE2

PMI

Job description

Senior Deployable Communications and Information Systems Program Manager

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site

Travel: Up to 30 days annually

Clearance: ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE FROM U.S. OR NATO MEMBER NATION REQUIRED

The Opportunity

Ironclad Defense Works is seeking a Senior Deployable Communications and Information Systems (DCIS) Program Manager to support NATO Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia. This position will provide senior program-management support for the development and delivery of NATO deployable communications and information systems capabilities.

The successful candidate will support the DCIS Program Director across program planning, change management, risk and issue management, quality assurance, lessons identified, stakeholder reporting, and knowledge management. This role is particularly well suited for an experienced defense program manager with a strong background in communications, information systems, deployable CIS, or military Signals and experience operating in NATO or other multinational military environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage program issues and changes using established processes, guidance, and governance procedures.
• Capture, assess, and communicate changes affecting the DCIS program and its associated projects.
• Maintain program issue logs and support the identification and sequencing of activities and milestones.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement across the program.
• Review Joint Staff Reports, management products, and project specifications for quality, clarity, and completeness.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative techniques to conduct program and project quality reviews and audits.
• Support NATO Bi-Strategic Commands in capturing and interpreting Operational Lessons Identified from operations and exercises.
• Identify potential DCIS capability gaps and help ensure revisions to Capability Program Plans remain aligned with broader NATO CIS capability delivery.
• Proactively identify program risks, evaluate potential impacts, develop response strategies, and maintain the program risk log.
• Conduct periodic program risk assessments and reviews.
• Reconcile relevant reporting databases to ensure project expenditures are accurately represented to stakeholders.
• Collect, manage, and communicate information relevant to DCIS capability development.
• Prepare timely, analyzed, and decision-ready information for program stakeholders.
• Implement program and C3 Enterprise best practices for DCIS knowledge and information management.
• Provide direct support to the DCIS Program Director and coordinate with other DCIS contractor support personnel.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in project or program management, electronics engineering, computer science, telecommunications, systems engineering, information systems and technology, or a closely related discipline.
• Substantial relevant experience may be considered in place of the degree when accompanied by MSP, PRINCE2, or PMI certification.
• At least five years of project-management experience involving communications or information systems integration, implementation, or operations using MSP, PRINCE2, PMI, or comparable methodology.
• At least three years of experience managing risks and issues in a complex and interdependent program environment.
• At least three years of experience applying change management within a capability program environment.
• At least three years of experience applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to program or project quality reviews and audits.
• At least two years of experience capturing and interpreting Operational Lessons Identified and identifying potential capability gaps.
• At least three years of experience in deployable CIS, Signals, or a closely related field in a subject-matter expert capacity.
• At least three years of experience working within NATO or another multinational military environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting NATO Allied Command Transformation, Allied Command Operations, or another NATO command or agency.
• Experience managing NATO capability-development or Common-Funded programs.
• Prior experience with deployable military communications, tactical CIS, or military Signals organizations.
• Experience developing or maintaining Capability Program Plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NATO CIS or C3 capability-development processes.
• Experience supporting multinational military operations or exercises.
• Formal PMP/PMI, PRINCE2, or MSP certification.
• Experience conducting formal program risk assessments, quality audits, and change-management activities.
• Experience supporting senior military or civilian program leadership through executive reporting, analysis, and briefings.

Clearance

This position requires an active National SECRET (or higher) security clearance from the U.S. or a NATO member nation. Applicants who do not possess the clearance specified above cannot be considered at this time.

Compensation

Compensation for this position ranges from $135,000 - $165,000 annually. Final salary will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, qualifications, location, contract requirements, and overall affordability.

Eligible full-time employees may also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Ironclad Defense Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer.