Program Manager - Tactical Aircraft and Vessel Acquisitions

Customs and Border Protection•Washington, DC

9d•$121,785 - $187,093•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager works for the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations, Tactical Aircraft and Vessel Acquisitions, in Washington, D.C. The role supports CBP’s aviation and maritime law enforcement mission by overseeing critical aircraft and vessel acquisition programs. The position is advertised at GS-13 or GS-14, with a stated salary range of $121,785 to $187,093. The Program Manager plans, organizes, coordinates, and evaluates acquisition-program activities, including programming, budgeting, and timely execution. The position leads complex acquisition projects across organizational lines and develops program plans, business cases, performance measures, risk-management approaches, and reporting materials. The role also coordinates with acquisition managers and stakeholders to support program alignment and communicates program status to senior leadership, other agencies, and governing bodies. Applicants must meet the specialized-experience requirements for the grade sought. The role includes required CBP Program Management certifications: Level I within 12 months of onboarding and Level III within 36 months. A background investigation is required, and a Secret or higher clearance may be required. The job announcement also describes a one-year probationary period for new federal employees and required online assessment steps.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
For applicants not currently employed by CBP, physical U.S. or protectorate residency for at least three of the last five years, subject to stated waiver conditions.
For GS-13: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including relevant acquisition program direction, cross-functional coordination, program support, negotiations, and/or COR contract oversight.
For GS-14: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including management of program cost, schedule, performance and lifecycle; technical integration and risk mitigation; resolution of complex acquisition issues; and/or COR and interagency liaison responsibilities.
Resume must explicitly demonstrate the specialized experience required for the grade sought.
Complete the application, application questionnaire, and required online assessment, meeting or exceeding the assessment cut score.
Meet all qualification requirements by 10/23/2026.
Obtain CBP Program Management Level I certification within 12 months of onboarding and Level III certification within 36 months of onboarding.
Pass a background investigation; drug testing procedures apply under the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan.
May be required to obtain a Secret or higher security clearance.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
All pre-employment processes are conducted in English.
Adhere to applicable federal and CBP ethics requirements, including obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity where required.
New federal employees must serve a one-year probationary period; current or former federal employees may also be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, coordinate, and evaluate acquisition-program activities, including programming, budgeting, and timely execution.
Lead complex acquisition projects across organizational lines, including project management, team building, collaboration, strategy development, and process improvement.
Develop business cases and other program planning and reporting documentation.
Develop acquisition-program performance measures to proactively manage risk and report status to senior leadership, officials in other agencies, and governing boards or committees.
Manage the development, assignment, and achievement of acquisition-program goals and objectives.
Collaborate and communicate with acquisition program managers and stakeholders to maintain awareness of program status and alignment with goals and objectives.
Depending on grade-level qualifications, manage cost, schedule, performance, lifecycle management, financial operations, and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Accountability process for aircraft, vessel, aerostat, or ground-based system programs.
Depending on grade-level qualifications, direct technical integration, manufacturing changes, and risk mitigation; resolve complex acquisition issues; and oversee contracts as a Contracting Officer’s Representative.