Project Manager

ECS Tech Inc•Patuxent River, MD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Everforth ECS is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Project Manager on a complex defense AI/ML program at Patuxent River, MD. This role is best suited for someone who has operated in the fields of military aviation, ISR mission execution, and technology development. The candidate should possess an understanding of how systems are developed before they reach warfighters. This role is ideal for a technically curious and solution-oriented project manager who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys engaging with cutting-edge technologies and diverse stakeholders. The Project Manager will manage a project from Initial Operating Capability (IOC) through Final Operational Capability (FOC) and assist the customer with transition of the capability to a Program of Record for the U.S. Marine Corps. An operational background will be a direct asset as this experience will bridge the gap between what developers build, what operators use, and end-users of the capability need. The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders across the Navy, Marine Corps, commercial vendors, and traditional federal contractors to shape and execute technical priorities and drive program execution. The Project Manager will translate operational requirements into technical priorities, hold integration timelines accountable, and ensure the capability being built reflects how real-world missions are executed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Active TS with the ability to obtain SCI Clearance
5+ years of leadership experience in defense operational, program, or R&D environments. Military service, program office experience, or equivalent contractor background are taken into consideration.
5+ years of Group 5 UAS experience (MQ-9 preferred)
Operational experience with Group 5 UAS platforms in a military or DoW context, including mission planning, execution, and post-mission analysis.
Familiarity with Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), and Radio Frequency (RF) data modalities
An understanding of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) DevSecOps processes
Proven experience managing cross-functional teams across technical and operational domains
Ability to balance long-term strategic planning with rapid delivery of near-term priorities
Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially in translating complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders
Demonstrated success in high-velocity, high-ambiguity environments with shifting priorities
Experience working in or supporting DoW or Navy programs
Experience coordinating airborne ISR payload integration, sensor data workflows, and/or AI/ML-enabled mission systems on UAS platforms
Experience supporting RDT&E, developmental test, and flight test activities within a DoD program environment

Responsibilities

Serve as the Prime Integrator Project Manager, managing platform and algorithm providers for an AI-enabled Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) defense program.
Work closely with technical teams and stakeholders to define, track, and drive project priorities, risks, and timelines.
Coordinate with DoW customers, integrators, cloud engineers, AI/ML specialists, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of goals and deliverables.
Support cloud modernization and deployment efforts, including onboarding workflows, tenant architecture, and solution adoption planning.
Facilitate regular customer engagement sessions, provide clear project updates, and proactively manage risks and blockers.
Develop and maintain documentation related to planning, status reporting, and technical delivery milestones.
Coordinate and integrate deliverables across multiple prime contractors and government stakeholders operating under separate contract vehicles; serve as the primary integration authority on behalf of the government customer.
Oversee data collection operations, including data configuration, test priorities, emitter signatures, and sensor modality requirements across multiple DoW units and operational environments.
Coordinate data collection operations, labeling workflows, model evaluation, performance reporting, and data governance activities supporting AI/ML development and operational transition.
Support requirements refinement, capability gap documentation, technical milestone tracking, and transition planning from prototype capability to Program of Record.