Program Management Practitioner, TS/SCI

Blue Sky Innovators•Arlington, VA

About The Position

The Program Management Practitioner supports in planning, executing, and overseeing complex defense acquisition programs. The role integrates cost, schedule, performance, risk, and technical activities to ensure programs deliver effective, affordable, and supportable capabilities. The practitioner works closely with engineering teams, contracting personnel, financial analysts, and operational stakeholders to maintain program alignment with mission needs and acquisition objectives.

Requirements

Minimum 4 years of experience in program management, project management, systems engineering, or defense acquisition.
TS/SCI Clearance
Experience supporting government program offices or complex technical programs.
Strong understanding of cost/schedule management, risk management, and acquisition processes.
Ability to synthesize technical and programmatic information for diverse audiences.
Proficiency with program management tools such as MS Project, Primavera, or similar systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience with defense acquisition frameworks, milestone processes, or program documentation.
Background in systems engineering, test and evaluation, logistics, or contracting.
Familiarity with digital engineering environments or model-based program planning.
Certification such as PMP, PMI‑ACP, or equivalent (or progress toward one).
Degree in engineering, business, management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Program Planning and Integration
Develop and maintain program strategies, schedules, roadmaps, and execution plans.
Coordinate across engineering, logistics, contracting, test, and financial teams to ensure program cohesion.
Translate mission needs and stakeholder priorities into actionable program objectives and milestones.
Cost, Schedule, and Performance Management
Track program cost, schedule, and performance baselines; identify variances and recommend corrective actions.
Support development of program budgets, spend plans, and funding documentation.
Monitor contractor performance and ensure alignment with program requirements and deliverables.
Risk, Issue, and Opportunity Management
Identify, assess, and track program risks and issues across technical and programmatic domains.
Develop mitigation strategies and coordinate implementation with government and contractor teams.
Support opportunity analysis to improve program efficiency, affordability, or performance.
Requirements and Technical Coordination
Support requirements development, traceability, and change management.
Coordinate with engineering teams to ensure technical decisions align with program constraints and mission outcomes.
Participate in technical reviews, design assessments, and readiness evaluations.
Acquisition and Contracting Support
Assist in developing acquisition strategies, statements of work, and contract documentation.
Support source selection activities, proposal evaluations, and contract negotiations.
Monitor contract execution, deliverables, and compliance with program objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Prepare briefings, reports, and decision materials for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Facilitate communication across government, contractor, and operational communities.
Support governance forums, working groups, and integrated product teams.