Principal Project Manager

ARA Career • San Antonio, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Missions, Concepts, and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Principal Project Manager to lead a large multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The team costs of technicians, scientists, engineers, modelers, veterinarians, animal handlers, among others. Together they propose, lead, and run experiments and test campaigns to understand biological and cognitive effects from lasers or other directed energy sources on human performance. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space. The Principal Project Manager leads and coordinates a large, multidisciplinary portfolio of laser and optical research programs focused on tissue damage, human effects, and vision-related bioeffects. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of dozens of concurrent research projects conducted by government personnel, contractors, academic partners, and industry collaborators. The candidate serves as the primary interface between the research organization and Department of Defense (DoD) laboratory stakeholders, ensuring technical alignment, fiscal discipline, schedule adherence, and mission relevance across the research portfolio. This position is contingent upon award of a contract expected in Spring 2026.

Requirements

• Strong program and project management expertise in a research and development environment.
• Working knowledge of laser and optical technologies and their bioeffects, including tissue damage mechanisms and vision-related hazards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex research portfolios with multiple concurrent projects and funding lines.
• Proven experience in budget planning, execution, and financial oversight within a government or DoD context.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including interaction with senior DoD leadership and laboratory sponsors.
• Ability to balance scientific rigor with schedule, cost, and mission constraints.
• Strong risk management, prioritization, and decision-making skills.
• Experience leading and motivating multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Optics, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 12 - 15 years of experience in research program or project management, preferably in a DoD or government laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams and complex, multi-project research portfolios.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Must be a US citizen.
• Experience interfacing directly with DoD sponsors or laboratory stakeholders.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition, research funding mechanisms, and laboratory governance processes.
• Experience with DoD laboratories.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical or scientific discipline.
• Formal project management training or certification (e.g., PMP or equivalent).
• Experience managing research involving human effects, vision science, or bioeffects of optical radiation.
• Existing TS or TS/SCI clearance

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic leadership for a broad portfolio of laser and optical bioeffects research projects addressing tissue damage, human effects, and vision hazards.
• Plan, prioritize, and balance research activities across multiple simultaneous efforts to meet organizational and DoD mission objectives.
• Develop, execute, and manage multi-year research budgets, including allocation of funding across projects, tracking expenditures, and forecasting resource requirements.
• Coordinate and integrate the work of researchers, engineers, scientists, and support staff across government, contractor, subcontractor, academic, and industry teams.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for DoD laboratory stakeholders, sponsors, and senior leadership, maintaining close and continuous communication.
• Translate stakeholder requirements into executable research plans, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor technical progress, risk, and performance metrics; implement corrective actions as required.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, Air Force, and laboratory policies related to human subjects research, animal research, safety, security, and ethical standards.
• Oversee preparation of technical reports, program reviews, budget submissions, and executive-level briefings.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and workforce development within the research organization.

Benefits

• Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees