Technical Program Manager

Job Description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Technical Program Manager to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation.

Candidates must be strong team leaders and participants, have excellent communication skills, be resourceful and creative, and willing to learn from and lead junior, mid, and senior-level engineers, scientists, and technicians in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

The Technical Program Manager will have a degree in a technical discipline as well as several years of technical and/or programmatic experience. They will be responsible for direct management of multiple R&D programs in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment with oversight of multi-disciplinary teams to ensure timely execution of program milestones and deliverables. Will work closely with government sponsors and lead a multi-functional team to build and deliver end-user products, provide training and logistics support, and ensure product reliability and availability.

Core Responsibilities:

Overseeing direct management of cost, schedule, and tasking for multiple R&D HPEM programs in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment

Act as technical liaison between customers, technical lead, and engineering team to execute the program objectives and adapt/prioritize tasking as necessary

Providing oversight and leadership to multi-disciplinary teams operating within/between HPEM division’s various departments to achieve timely execution of program milestones

Effectively communicating program directions and objectives to all skills levels, from technicians to senior engineers up to senior scientists

Ensuring program execution remains focused on customer requirements and as requirements evolve working to quickly inform appropriate team members with updates

Interfacing with various SARA Division Directors, working to implement technical and managerial visions across various projects

Maintaining regular communications with customers and partners while working with the technical leads to implement requested scope changes and/or additions, brainstorming ways to provide additional capabilities to stakeholders

Interfacing with customers on issues that may arise and working with teams as well as technical leads to facilitate timely resolutions, as needed

Creating and providing financial/technical program status updates and briefings to senior-level personnel and customers

Preparing technical proposals, including technical volumes, system requirements, schedules/milestones, budgets, assumptions, and risks

Providing input and recommendations for internal R&D strategic planning for business opportunities and avenues for company growth

Keep junior level engineers aligned with the program mission (big picture)

Requirements:

BS, MS, or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, physics, and/or mechanical engineering (other engineering or science degrees may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

8+ years of program management experience

Flexibility to work as part of a diverse team that is located both remotely and on-site

Strong oral and written communication skills with intermediate-level expertise with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project

Proven time-management skills; able to thrive in a rapidly changing, deadline-driven environment

US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance

May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds

Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated, moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

Active Top-Secret security clearance

Strong leadership skills, with the ability to quickly identify and resolve issues and motivate others to achieve their best

Proven problem-solving skills with a background in system engineering and integration efforts such as developing system/subsystem requirements, integration plans, and test methodologies

Experience with Costpoint accounting systems

Experience with government contract pricing software such as ProPricer

Ability to travel up to 10% of the year

2 years in DoD government contracting

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Knowledge of FAR and DFARS

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs

A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)

Tuition & certification reimbursement

Flexible work schedules

Discretionary Employee bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: May 28, 2025

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Full-time

Hybrid remote