Sr. Program/Project Lead

Empower AI Inc.•Sierra Vista, AZ

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Empower AI is seeking a Senior Program/Project Lead to support Army efforts in defending, operating, and sustaining the IT environment. This role is based at Fort Huachuca and combines hands-on technical execution with senior-level leadership across cybersecurity, operational engineering, enterprise sustainment, and field services. The ideal candidate will ensure systems remain secure, compliant, and mission-ready, guide RMF and ATO sustainment, oversee Tier II/III operations, and advise government leadership on risk, resilience, and operational improvements. This position is suited for senior military or industry professionals who wish to continue making a direct impact on Army readiness while mentoring and leading technical teams in a dynamic operational environment.

Requirements

Active Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligibility preferred depending on tasking)
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent military/industry experience)
10 –15+ years experience across one or more of the following: Cybersecurity / Information Assurance, Network or Systems Engineering, IT Operations / Enterprise Sustainment, Field Services or Operational Engineering
Strong understanding of DoD cybersecurity and IT operations frameworks, including RMF, NIST 800-53, ITIL, and DoD cyber workforce requirements
Ability to lead teams, work independently, and operate in mission-critical environments

Nice To Haves

DoD 8570 / 8140 certifications (e.g., CISSP, CASP, Security+, CE certifications)
Prior service or direct support experience at Fort Huachuca
Experience supporting NETCOM, Army Cyber Command, or enterprise DoDIN operations
Background in mentoring or technical leadership roles

Responsibilities

Lead mission-critical projects and programs, with responsibility for scope, schedule, risk, and cross-functional coordination.
Project and program management for AI/ML-enabled solutions and IT modernization initiatives, including strategic planning, risk management, and alignment with enterprise transformation objectives.
Lead and support cybersecurity, operations, engineering, and sustainment activities across Army enterprise IT environments supporting missions at Fort Huachuca and supported locations.
Provide senior-level Risk Management Framework (RMF) leadership, including ATO sustainment, security assessments, POA&M development and management, continuous monitoring oversight, and compliance documentation in eMASS and related systems.
Perform or oversee Tier II and Tier III operational engineering and break-fix support, including incident, problem, and change management for mission-critical enterprise systems.
Lead and support network, systems, and cybersecurity operations, including ACAS vulnerability scanning, STIG compliance, endpoint security, configuration management, and remediation planning.
Provide technical leadership for operational engineering and sustainment, including system baseline management, testing and validation in controlled environments, lifecycle support, and implementation of approved changes.
Interface directly with government stakeholders, Subject Matter Experts, and senior leadership to assess risk, recommend technical solutions, support decision-making, and improve operational performance.
Lead or contribute to technical documentation and reporting, including system design plans, build guides, enterprise technical procedures, after-action reports, and operational briefings using Government-approved templates and repositories.
Support change, configuration, and release management (CCRM) activities, including coordination with the Change Advisory Board (CAB) and validation of security and interoperability impacts.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level personnel across cybersecurity, operations, engineering, and field service functions, supporting workforce development and mission continuity.
Support on-site and field activities, including system installations, site surveys, Move/Add/Change actions, and operational support as required at Fort Huachuca and other supported locations.