Principal Program Manager
STR · Arlington, VA ·
- Seniority
- Principal
- Employment
- Contract
- Category
- Project management
- Experience
- 8+ years
About the Team:
STR’s Analytics & C2 (AC2) Division develops novel technologies to solve challenging national security problems through advanced analytics. Our team consists of passionate and motivated individuals with degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and data science. We use our expertise and creativity to develop and mature innovative ideas from conception to improve mission success of our customers.
The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the AC2 Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration, resource management, and control. By leveraging expertise in machine learning, algorithms, model-predictive control, and software development we build tools that support tactical mission planning and execution, autonomous reasoning, and more.
The Role:
The CAC group is seeking a Program Manager with a highly operational centric space systems background and extensive knowledge of and prior experience working with Department of War organizations in this area. In this role you will manage multi-disciplinary teams of researchers, scientists, and engineers spread across multiple STR campuses to meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives on innovative, complex, and challenging national security programs. Your areas of specific focus will include building and executing programmatic baselines, including personnel, deliverables, and subcontractor / contract manufacturer management plans while anticipating risks, resolving resource, security, and contracting challenges, and meeting or managing customer, sponsor, and leadership expectations.
A successful candidate will have recent and significant program manager experience in several of the following areas: space systems, collection orchestration, satellite constellation management, modeling and simulation, test & evaluation, software architecture, resource management, acoustic data analysis, signal processing, and/or communications. This position requires competency in leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams, briefing senior leadership, cultivating positive, collaborative, and productive work environments, and a strong proficiency in all aspects of program management. Strong interpersonal, communication, mentorship, and peer-leadership skills are also required.
What you will do:
- Be the primary programmatic representative of STR to Government customers, other stakeholders, sub-contractors, and partner organizations.
- Effectively execute multiple programs ensuring cost, schedule and technical program metrics are being tracked and within plan.
- Lead proposals by providing expertise in proposal development while ensuring adherence to a gated capture process.
- Negotiate subcontractor statements of work and manage/track Subcontractors to ensure proper execution.
- Lead multi-functional teams.
- Provide regular program briefs to Group and Division Leadership.
- Create and maintain an environment that fosters collaboration by giving clear direction and constructive feedback to the team.
- Monitor progress against goals: anticipate risks, resolve issues, and initiate corrective actions as appropriate.
Who you are:
- Active TS clearance with SCI and ability to gain and SAP accreditations, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government.
- Technical Degree and 8+ years of prior relevant experience. In lieu of degree, extensive experience with government contracting, research and development (R&D), scientific & technical intelligence (S&TI), or advanced technology production will be considered.
- Program Manager or Control Account Manager experience in design and development and/or build contract including Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) definition, schedule generation, financial analysis/reporting, and resource management.
- Demonstrated expertise in Proposal Management including planning and cost estimation.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing projects larger than $10M for the Department of War or IC.
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
- Successful experience in leading and managing multi-discipline teams.
- Strong presentation and organizational skills.
Even Better:
- Experience with:
- Earned Value Management System (EVMS)
- Risk and Opportunity Management
- Developing integrated Master Schedules
- Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications including but not limited to MS Project, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $200,000 - $250,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.