Program Manager Journeyman

Applied Research Solutions•Bedford, MA

13h•$120,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a Program Manager – Journeyman to support Air Force acquisition initiatives that strengthen operational capabilities and mission readiness. The position works with program leadership on acquisition planning, program execution, risk management, budgeting, and overall program health. The Program Manager provides acquisition and program management support to Air Force program offices, supports acquisition and development efforts focused on cost and schedule, and advises leadership on program execution challenges. The role develops and reviews acquisition documents, reports, briefings, schedules, and funding documentation; supports acquisition strategies and contract execution; and applies DoD and Air Force policies and guidance. It also supports risk management activities, including plans, boards, working groups, and contractor risk-process evaluation. During the first 90 days, the employee will learn the program office, priorities, stakeholders, contracts, and reporting requirements; begin supporting documentation, status reporting, funding, scheduling, and risk activities; and then independently manage assigned program support activities and provide recommendations to leadership. Success involves accurate and timely program documentation, effective stakeholder coordination, support for funding and acquisition activities, and a strong working knowledge of Air Force and DoD acquisition processes. All positions are subject to background investigations, and employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal history and identity check. The position requires U.S. citizenship and an active Secret security clearance. The stated annual salary range is $120,000–$150,000, depending on the role, responsibilities, experience, qualifications, education or training, and skills.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
10 years of program support experience, including at least 3 years supporting DoD programs.
Active Secret security clearance.
Comprehensive knowledge of DoD systems acquisition and program management principles, policies, and practices, including DoDI 5000.02 and DoDI 5000.75.
Understanding of DoD and Air Force organizational structures, roles, and program office relationships.
Ability to work independently, apply established processes, troubleshoot challenges, and develop practical solutions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Support acquisition and development efforts focused on reducing cost and schedule.
Provide acquisition and program management support to Air Force program offices.
Monitor program health and advise leadership on cost, schedule, performance, and execution challenges.
Develop and support program status briefings, schedules, and acquisition updates for senior leadership.
Provide program management input for Requests for Proposals, including system specifications, System Requirements Documents, Statements of Work, and Contract Data Requirements Lists.
Review acquisition documents for accuracy, consistency, and programmatic alignment, including Acquisition Decision Memorandums, Life Cycle Sustainment Plans, Acquisition Strategies, Acquisition Program Baselines, Risk Management Plans, and Program Management Reviews.
Prepare and support acquisition reports and milestone documentation in accordance with DoDI 5000.02 and applicable regulations.
Apply DoD and Air Force acquisition policies and applicable AFMC and AFLCMC guidance.
Identify acquisition policy gaps, interpret guidance, and recommend solutions to support program execution.
Support the development and evaluation of acquisition strategies, including technical approaches, requirements, risk assessments, market research, deliverables, and cost, schedule, and performance considerations.
Support Urgent Capability Acquisitions and Middle Tier of Acquisition efforts in accordance with DoDI 5000.80 and DoDI 5000.81.
Coordinate with program scheduling personnel to support integrated program schedules and execution.
Develop and maintain program risk management plans; facilitate risk identification, analysis, mitigation, and monitoring activities.
Support risk management boards and working groups, document meeting outcomes, and evaluate contractor and subcontractor risk management processes.
Prepare and maintain acquisition reports, including Monthly Activity Reports, Source Approval Requests, Defense Acquisition Executive Summaries, and Acquisition Program Baselines.
Support acquisition reporting requirements for ACAT I, II, and III programs in accordance with applicable guidance.
Use Microsoft Office, IDECS, EDA, CCaR, and other required DoD/OSD-mandated applications.
Prepare and submit funding documentation, including Purchase Requests, Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests, and Purchase Orders.
Interpret and coordinate acquisition project assignments, identify execution challenges, and recommend solutions to the Government Program Manager.
Independently manage assigned acquisition and program management support activities and provide practical recommendations to program leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned.