Senior Technical Project Manager

ARA Career•Indian Head, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking a Senior Technical Project Manager to support programs involving modernization of explosives and energetic materials production facilities, munitions production, and novel production system design. The role works with project and program managers, explosives and munitions subject matter experts, and federal stakeholders to support research and development capabilities and ongoing production operations. Candidates should be eager to learn, maintain a safety-first mindset, and collaborate effectively with peers, clients, and stakeholders. The position is entirely onsite at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head. It operates in a high-activity, open-plan collaborative workspace with active operational equipment, fluorescent lighting, and ambient machinery noise. Visual line-of-sight monitoring, immediate verbal team communication, and regular in-person interaction with onsite team members are essential. Remote and hybrid schedules are not available. Employment requires successful attainment of at least an Interim Secret clearance granted by the sponsoring agency. Candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in the United States. The role oversees project execution, planning, scheduling, procurement, scope, schedule, and budget. It leads coordination among technical teams and program management counterparts, supports safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities, engages clients and external stakeholders, and ensures compliance with contractual, regulatory, safety, and quality requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or another related discipline with 8–10 years of experience, or a master's degree with 6–8 years of experience.
At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
Proven experience managing DoW or DoE projects involving facility improvements, capital expenditure, and manufacturing process implementation.
Expertise in resource and risk management, with the ability to maximize ROI for large-scale projects.
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and coordinating stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and vendors.
Ability to work effectively in high-pressure, dynamic environments and manage rapid changes in project scope, funding, and priorities.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including tailoring presentations and reports to technical and non-technical audiences.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance.
Ability to attain at least an Interim Secret clearance granted by the sponsoring agency.
Must reside within the United States.
Ability to work onsite at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head; remote and hybrid work are not available.

Nice To Haves

Degree in engineering or a related technical field.
Experience working with federal agencies, including DoW and DOE.
Experience managing production modernization projects or programs, particularly design and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities.
Active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
PMP certification or equivalent project management training.

Responsibilities

Oversee project execution, including detailed planning, scheduling, and procurement aligned with customer specifications.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and program management counterparts to develop plans for technical deliverables and schedules.
Develop and implement strategies to meet project objectives while managing scope, schedule, and budget.
Monitor project performance and apply change management principles to address scope issues, risks, and resource constraints in collaboration with Project Controls Analysts.
Prepare detailed reports for senior leadership on project progress, challenges, and solutions.
Engage subcontractors, federal agencies, corporate partners, and local officials to drive project success.
Lead safe and cost-effective execution of manufacturing capabilities in complex production environments in collaboration with federal defense clients.
Develop, plan, and execute goals aligned with client objectives and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
Lead regular client-facing meetings to update progress and facilitate technical discussion.
Implement and monitor safety and quality programs, ensuring project staff comply with contractual terms, scope of work, regulatory requirements, and client-specific quality and safety standards.