Technical Program Manager (Software Systems)

Torch.AI•Leawood, KS

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Torch.AI is building a government-owned reasoning infrastructure, a Reasoning Layer, to enable machine reasoning at scale in challenging environments. This infrastructure connects, governs, transforms, represents, fuses, reasons over, and delivers data into mission applications and operational workflows, enhancing existing systems rather than replacing them. The Reasoning Layer includes components like ORCUS, NEXUS, and HALO. The company seeks creative problem-solvers who are comfortable with ambiguity and take ownership of outcomes. Torch.AI offers the opportunity to strengthen U.S. defense readiness and protect national interests with meaningful impact. Torch.AI was founded on the principle that better data utilization leads to better decisions. Recognizing that the bottleneck in increasing data volumes was not collection or storage but machine understanding, they developed infrastructure to provide this missing layer. They believe the government should own its data and decision environment, maintaining stewardship over the mission and operational layer, even while leveraging commercial technologies. Torch.AI emphasizes craftsmanship, intention, discipline, and collaboration with engineers, data experts, veterans, and mission practitioners, enabling rapid deployment of systems. The company culture attracts individuals who approach problems creatively, are comfortable operating without complete clarity, focus on actual outcomes, are willing to adapt based on feedback, and take responsibility for results. This environment is not suitable for those who require tightly defined problems or prefer distance from the application of their work. Some roles require an active Secret, Top Secret, or Top Secret/SCI clearance, and U.S. citizenship is mandatory. Torch.AI does not sponsor employment visas, though sponsorship may be available for eligible candidates depending on role and mission requirements. Most roles are based at their headquarters in Leawood, KS, with some hybrid/remote options in the DMV region. Limited travel may be required.

Requirements

B.S. in a technical discipline (engineering, computer science, information systems) or demonstrated equivalent experience delivering complex technical programs.
6–10+ years of experience in technical program management, systems engineering, solutions delivery, or similar roles.
Demonstrated experience delivering complex technical programs in defense or high-security environments.
Strong technical fluency across software development lifecycles, cloud environments, APIs, and deployment processes.
Strong organizational discipline and ability to manage competing priorities in high-tempo environments.
Excellent communication skills and ability to drive alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.
U.S. citizenship is required for all positions.
Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance level where required.

Nice To Haves

Previous software development in Java, Python, or other languages is preferred.
Experience supporting deployments across SIPR/JWICS/NIPR or isolated cloud domains.
Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled platforms and data fusion workflows.
PMP, Scrum, SAFe, or DoD 8570/8140 certifications.
Prior military or operational mission experience.

Responsibilities

Drive planning and execution of mission-critical technical programs supporting DoD and IC customers.
Conduct code Peer Reviews for your team.
Translate mission needs into executable delivery plans, milestones, and measurable acceptance criteria.
Maintain execution rhythm across sprint planning, readiness reviews, and milestone delivery.
Track dependencies, risks, and delivery status across engineering, security, and deployment teams.
Coordinate deployment planning and go-live execution across multiple environments and security domains.
Communicate program status, technical risks, and tradeoffs clearly to internal and customer stakeholders.
Support accreditation and operational approval activities by ensuring delivery alignment with compliance requirements.
Maintain program artifacts including roadmaps, RAID logs, schedules, and customer-facing execution plans.