Cleared Program Manager - AWS

Bestgate Engineering • Fort Meade, MD

2d

About The Position

Bestgate Engineering is hiring a TS/SCI-cleared Technical Program Manager to drive software onboarding, licensing, and ATO execution for AWS engineering teams operating in classified cloud regions. This is a delivery-focused TPM role at the intersection of engineering productivity, security compliance, and classified environment constraints.

Why this role matters:
In classified environments, you can’t just “buy a tool and install it.” Every engineering tool and service must be vetted for availability, licensing, security risk, and accreditation impact—then deployed in a way that works without internet dependencies (no call-home licensing, offline activation, air-gapped constraints). This TPM owns that process end-to-end so engineering teams can move fast without breaking compliance.

What you’ll do:
Lead end-to-end software onboarding into the classified environment: intake, assessment, approvals, and deployment readiness
Drive Authority to Operate (ATO) efforts with the sponsor, including documentation prep and shepherding packages through the AO/ISSM process
Assess whether requested tools/services are available in classified AWS regions; identify gaps, alternatives, and manage exception requests/approvals
Engage directly with vendors to secure on-prem / air-gapped licensing for tools such as SolidWorks, Altium, Cameo, ANSYS HPC
Negotiate terms that support classified constraints (offline activation, non-networked license models, no telemetry/call-home)
Maintain a software onboarding pipeline and a licensing inventory that gives stakeholders clear visibility into status, blockers, and timelines
Coordinate across engineering, DevSecOps/infrastructure, and security teams to ensure tools are evaluated, approved, and deployed correctly
Provide crisp program reporting: milestones, risks, dependencies, and decision points

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• 5+ years as a Technical Program Manager / Program Manager in software or infrastructure delivery
• Demonstrated experience navigating security reviews, accreditation coordination, and compliance documentation
• Strong stakeholder management across engineering, security, and platform/infra teams
• Comfort working with vendors on licensing and terms, including handling constraints like offline/air-gapped environments

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on familiarity with ATO/RMF processes and the practical mechanics of moving packages through AO/ISSM stakeholders
• Experience standing up intake pipelines (Jira/Confluence, service catalog, workflow automation) and managing tool inventories
• Background supporting DevSecOps/build operations in restricted environments

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end software onboarding into the classified environment: intake, assessment, approvals, and deployment readiness
• Drive Authority to Operate (ATO) efforts with the sponsor, including documentation prep and shepherding packages through the AO/ISSM process
• Assess whether requested tools/services are available in classified AWS regions; identify gaps, alternatives, and manage exception requests/approvals
• Engage directly with vendors to secure on-prem / air-gapped licensing for tools such as SolidWorks, Altium, Cameo, ANSYS HPC
• Negotiate terms that support classified constraints (offline activation, non-networked license models, no telemetry/call-home)
• Maintain a software onboarding pipeline and a licensing inventory that gives stakeholders clear visibility into status, blockers, and timelines
• Coordinate across engineering, DevSecOps/infrastructure, and security teams to ensure tools are evaluated, approved, and deployed correctly
• Provide crisp program reporting: milestones, risks, dependencies, and decision points

Benefits

• PTO: Starting at 26 days with options to increase or decrease for personal needs.
• 401k: 7% gift, fully vested from day one!
• Free Medical, Dental, Vision: Coverage for employees and dependents.
• $5,000 in Training: For certifications, conferences, and continued learning.
• End-of-Year Bonuses: Recognizing your hard work.
• Morale-Building Hours: 8 hours annually for team-building activities.
• Plus, flexibility, internal mobility programs, career pathing, engaged leadership, and a robust external referral program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed