PROGRAM MANAGER
Role summary
Cambridge Automation is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex ISR and C5ISR programs for the US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. This high-visibility role involves frontline program leadership with direct mission impact, operating at the intersection of advanced defense technologies, intelligence systems, and mission execution. The Program Manager will own cost, schedule, and performance, manage budgets, engage with government stakeholders, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure compliance with defense acquisition frameworks. The position requires an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph and 10+ years of relevant experience in DoD environments.
Job Summary
Cambridge Automation is seeking a Program Manager (PM) to lead complex ISR and C5ISR programs supporting the United States Army, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps. Lead mission-critical ISR programs shaping real-world national security operations.
This is not a back-office role, this is frontline program leadership with direct mission impact, high visibility with Government stakeholders, and ownership of real-world outcomes.
You’ll operate at the intersection of:
- Advanced defense technologies
- Intelligence systems and analytics
- Mission execution and operational support
What You’ll Do
Program Leadership & Execution
- Lead full lifecycle program execution (transition → sustainment → closeout)
- Own cost, schedule, and performance (CSP) accountability
- Develop and manage Integrated Program Baselines (IPB)
- Ensure delivery of all contractual requirements
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as primary interface to Government PMs, CORs, and senior leadership
- Lead program reviews, milestone briefings, and executive updates
- Build strong customer relationships and proactively manage risk
Financial & Operational Management
- Manage budgets, forecasting, and program financial performance
- Monitor EVM metrics (CPI/SPI, EAC, burn rate)
- Oversee staffing, subcontractors, and resource allocation
Team Leadership
- Lead cross-functional teams of engineers, analysts, and SMEs
- Build high-performance teams focused on execution and accountability
- Mentor emerging leaders and technical staff
Technical & Mission Integration
- Drive integration across ISR systems, sensors, networks, and mission platforms
- Ensure alignment between technical execution and operational requirements
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and DoD acquisition frameworks
- Identify, track, and mitigate program risks
- Support audits, reviews, and program assessments
What You Bring
- Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph (Required)
- 10+ years of Program Management experience in DoD environments
- Experience managing ISR, C5ISR, or intelligence-focused programs
- Proven ability to manage cost, schedule, and performance
- Experience leading cross-functional technical teams
- Strong Government stakeholder engagement experience
- Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Business, Computer Science, or related field)
Preferred
- PMP, DAWIA, or FAC-P/PM certification
- Experience supporting Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Joint programs
- Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Familiarity with DevSecOps, AI/ML, or digital engineering environments
- Master’s degree
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $165,000 – $205,000+ annually
(Commensurate with experience, clearance, and program scope)
- Performance-based incentives
- Medical, dental, vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and certification support
Work Environment
- Location: APG, MD or California (NIWC Pacific / NAVWAR / NAWCWD)
- Remote/Hybrid / on-site based on mission requirements
- Up to 25% travel (CONUS/OCONUS)
- Work in classified and mission-driven environments
CALIFORNIA COMPLIANCE & LEGAL DISCLOSURES
Pay Transparency (California Requirement)
The salary range for this position is $165,000 – $205,000+.
Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, clearance level, location, and business needs.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Cambridge Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
California Applicant Privacy Notice (CCPA/CPRA)
Personal information collected during the application process will be used for recruiting and hiring purposes in accordance with applicable California privacy laws.
At-Will Employment
Employment with Cambridge Automation is at-will. This job posting does not constitute a contract of employment and duties may change based on business needs.
Export Control Notice
This position may require access to information subject to ITAR, EAR, or classified U.S. Government regulations. U.S. Citizenship is required.
Contingency Statement
This position is classified as a Key Personnel and is contingent upon contract award and may require:
- Letter of Commitment
- Participation in proposal activities
- Customer approval and funding availability
Why Cambridge Automation
We’re building a next-generation defense engineering organization focused on:
- ISR and C5ISR integration
- AI/ML-enabled mission systems
- Cyber and digital engineering transformation
We are seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Program Manager to lead complex initiatives and drive organizational success. In this pivotal role, you will oversee multiple projects within a program, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, managing cross-functional teams, and optimizing processes through proven methodologies. Your leadership will foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation, empowering teams to deliver high-quality results on time and within scope. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence large-scale programs and contribute to the growth and efficiency of our organization.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, development, and execution of multiple projects within the program lifecycle, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
- Apply project management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, and SAFe to tailor approaches that best fit project needs.
- Facilitate requirements gathering sessions with stakeholders to define clear objectives, scope, and success criteria.
- Conduct root cause analysis and leverage Lean Six Sigma tools for process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and quality.
- Manage project schedules using tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Primavera P6; monitor progress through earned value management techniques.
- Oversee risk management activities by identifying potential issues early and implementing mitigation strategies proactively.
- Coordinate with vendors, IT infrastructure teams, and other external partners to ensure seamless project implementation and delivery.
- Lead team management efforts by supervising project managers and cross-functional team members; foster a collaborative environment through effective communication skills.
- Utilize business process modeling, process mapping, and requirements analysis to optimize workflows and support program development.
- Facilitate meetings regularly to review progress, resolve conflicts, and align stakeholders on project priorities.
Qualifications
- Proven experience supervising teams in a program management or project leadership role with demonstrated success in managing complex portfolios.
- Strong knowledge of project management methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, Lean Six Sigma, PMBOK standards, and SAFe frameworks.
- Expertise in program development, scope management, risk assessment, cost control, budgeting, and project scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Proficiency in data analysis skills for collecting insights that inform decision-making; experience with tools like SAS or Salesforce is a plus.
- Exceptional communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and presentation delivery across diverse audiences.
- Experience with requirements gathering, requirements management tools like Confluence or VersionOne, and process management systems such as SharePoint or ServiceNow.
- Knowledge of IT infrastructure projects or product lifecycle management is desirable; familiarity with vendor management practices is advantageous. Join us as a Program Manager if you're passionate about leading transformative initiatives that make a real impact! Bring your expertise in project delivery methodologies combined with your leadership prowess to guide teams toward achieving strategic goals efficiently while fostering innovation at every turn.
Pay: $165,000.00 - $205,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Diego, CA
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