Project Manager, Project Engineer, Contract Manager

DARAIN KAWAMOTO

Sugar Land, ***** TX +1-808-***-**** *******@*****.*** WWW: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darain-kawamoto-8296b74

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dynamic and results-driven leader with over 20 years of experience directing high-stakes programs, cross-functional teams, and enterprise-level initiatives across federal, commercial, and global operations. Proven track record in IT project management, regulatory compliance, logistics, and infrastructure oversight—managing portfolios exceeding $50M and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency, safety, and mission readiness. Adept at aligning stakeholders, mitigating risk, and leading organizational transformations in complex, high-risk environments including maritime, port security, and hazardous materials. Recognized for bridging technical expertise with strategic vision, delivering measurable results in incident response, operational excellence, and technology modernization. Skilled in Agile and Waterfall methodologies, contract management, and executive-level communications.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Regulatory compliance expertise in maritime, port security, and environmental standards

IT program and project management (Agile, Waterfall, SDLC)

Large-scale logistics and infrastructure operations management

Contract and vendor management (COR II certified)

Budget oversight and cost control for $50M+ portfolios

Risk mitigation and operational safety leadership

Strategic planning and executive-level briefing

Multi-agency and cross-functional team leadership

International stakeholder and diplomatic liaison skills

Hardware and software systems integration and lifecycle management

Federal acquisition and procurement strategy

development

Training, mentoring, and workforce development for technical teams

Emergency Response / Incident Command Type 3 (ICS Certified as Ops and Investigation Sector Chief)

Cybersecurity risk assessment and incident response planning

Process improvement and performance optimization

Data analysis and performance metrics reporting

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Directed a $50M+ IT modernization program for U.S. Coast Guard Command & Control systems, delivering enterprise-wide hardware/software upgrades across five cutter platforms, increasing retrofit rates by 400%, and ensuring compliance with DoD classified network standards.

Led multi-agency incident response operations during the largest pollution spill in U.S. waters since Deepwater Horizon, deploying 42 personnel, coordinating federal, state, and industry resources, and mitigating safety risks for on-scene responders.

Orchestrated international port security assessments across eight Asia-Pacific nations, safeguarding $138B in maritime trade by improving compliance with ISPS Code standards, enhancing cybersecurity readiness, and delivering technical assistance to foreign port authorities.

Optimized large-scale logistics operations at Amazon Fulfillment Center HOU8, managing 100+ staff, achieving a 95% on- time delivery rate, reducing rework by 30%, and improving project efficiency by 20% through data-driven performance tracking.

Drove cross-functional process improvements within the IRS by leading IT and compliance projects, developing vendor evaluation frameworks, and delivering actionable performance analytics that enhanced decision-making and ensured regulatory adherence for Fortune 500 clients.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Management & Program Analyst 07/2024 to Current

Internal Revenue Service Houston TX

Led enterprise-wide IT initiatives, aligning stakeholder needs with strategic technology and compliance objectives.

Develop and implement Statements of Work (SOWs), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), and vendor evaluation criteria to improve IT procurement efficiency.

Produce executive-level reports with actionable performance and compliance insights.

Facilitate cross-departmental project teams to define business requirements and improve workflows.

Implement performance tracking tools to monitor milestones, risks, and deliverables.

Oversee vendor relationships, ensuring adherence to contract terms and technical specifications.

Provide data-driven recommendations to senior leadership for process optimization.

Ensure all IT initiatives meet federal regulatory and security standards.

General Engineer 05/2023 to 07/2024

Internal Revenue Service Houston TX

Directed tax compliance projects for Fortune 500 companies, ensuring regulatory adherence.

Led IRS Compliance Assurance Process Program initiatives to streamline audit operations.

Produced detailed engineering and compliance reports supporting federal audits.

Identified and implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Coordinated stakeholder meetings to align compliance expectations and resolve barriers.

Analyzed technical documentation for accuracy and regulatory consistency.

Collaborated with internal and external teams to minimize audit cycle times.

Advised leadership on compliance risk mitigation strategies.

Inbound Operations Manager 02/2022 to 11/2022

Amazon Fulfillment Center HOU8 Missouri City TX

Directed operations for a 100-person team, processing $1M+ in daily product volume.

Streamlined inbound logistics to achieve a 95% on-time delivery rate.

Reduced rework rates by 30% through standardized processes.

Developed data-driven KPIs to track productivity and system reliability.

Managed staffing, training, and resource allocation for high-volume operations.

Improved project efficiency by 20% through workflow optimization.

Delivered KPI dashboards and operational briefings to senior leadership.

Aligned team capabilities with operational priorities to sustain peak performance.

Senior Logistic Manager 12/2019 to 05/2022

U.S. Coast Guard Houston TX

Oversaw logistics for 300+ personnel and 11 tenant units with a $12.5M annual budget.

Directed $43M+ in infrastructure maintenance and support services.

Managed resource allocation during Base Galveston stand-up, distributing $1M in funding.

Developed logistics policies and procedures to improve operational readiness.

Led cross-functional teams in budget, security, and HR initiatives.

Prepared compliance reports with recommendations for corrective actions.

Partnered with executives to align goals with operational strategy.

Optimized resource use through evaluative program analysis.

Assistant Chief of Inspections 12/2018 to 12/2019

U.S. Coast Guard Houston TX

Directed compliance efforts for the nation's largest petrochemical port.

Led 49 inspectors in enforcing U.S. and international maritime laws.

Managed response to the largest pollution spill since Deepwater Horizon.

Coordinated with agencies to allocate resources for high-priority incidents.

Addressed communication gaps during high-stress emergency operations.

Implemented safety measures reducing responder risk exposure.

Ensured inspection programs met regulatory requirements.

Provided operational updates to senior leadership during incidents.

Regulatory Compliance & Port Security Liaison 07/2016 to 12/2018 U.S. Coast Guard Singapore

Collaborated with eight foreign governments across 41 Asia-Pacific nations.

Conducted 10 international port risk assessments across eight countries.

Presented security findings to U.S. Ambassadors and foreign officials.

Protected $138B in maritime trade and 7,000 annual vessel transits.

Led regional security event for 200+ operators and officials.

Developed cybersecurity risk assessment tool for port infrastructure.

Provided technical assistance to foreign port authorities.

Advanced emergency response readiness for energy-related shipping.

Senior Investigations Officer 06/2013 to 07/2016

U.S. Coast Guard Seattle WA

Supervise a multidisciplinary team of six personnel, including four active-duty officers and two civilians, overseeing marine casualty and violation investigations, report reviews, external correspondence, Suspension & Revocation case prosecution, and management of a $900K unit budget to ensure maritime safety, legal compliance, and operational readiness.

Directed successful prosecutions of two International pollution violations, coordinating multi-unit investigations, forensic analysis, and interagency collaboration with CGIS and DOJ partners—resulting in referral to U.S. Attorneys and enhanced environmental compliance enforcement.

Led cybersecurity outreach efforts as a member of the Washington State Cybersecurity Task Force, briefing maritime stakeholders on incident response roles, MTS vulnerabilities, and the Coast Guard's cyber regulatory responsibilities.

Established legal precedent by prosecuting a high-profile laser attack on a ferry crew, securing fines under security zone regulations and shaping Coast Guard enforcement policy for drone and laser-related threats.

Collaborated with NTSB on major marine casualty investigations, integrating human factors analysis and technical inspection findings to draft recommendations influencing national rule-making and Coast Guard procedural updates.

IT Project Manager 06/2012 to 06/2013

U.S. Coast Guard Portsmouth VA

Served as technical authority and Program Manager for the $50M, multi-year modernization of all afloat Coast Guard Command and Control (C2) systems across five cutter platforms; managed end-to-end lifecycle of hardware and software systems—including requirements, design, development, testing, certification, and deployment.

Led a 20-member cross-functional team and managed a $9M annual budget, overseeing enterprise-level planning, development, and installation of scalable, platform-agnostic C2 systems that increased retrofit rates fourfold and ensured compliance with DoD classified network standards.

Implemented agile development practices and a web-based enterprise project management system to enhance resource planning, budget analysis, and system transparency; delivered nine ship retrofits annually and four software releases, directly influencing the $13B Offshore Patrol Cutter selection.

Directed strategic planning and prioritization of complex technical initiatives, aligning short- and long-term goals with mission requirements; delegated tasks based on complexity and team capabilities, while resolving administrative, technical, and personnel issues to maintain high performance.

Established performance standards, coached subordinate supervisors, and resolved high-level grievances and complaints; recognized for fostering a collaborative environment, mentoring future leaders, and driving initiatives to eliminate bottlenecks, improve work quality, and optimize operational execution.

Hardware Project Manager 05/2009 to 06/2012

U.S. Coast Guard Portsmouth VA

Led hardware architecture and integration for next-gen C2 systems.

Managed $1M annual hardware project budget.

Coordinated installation of systems meeting strict shipboard constraints.

Developed work breakdown structures for multi-cutter installations.

Directed procurement and vendor management for IT hardware.

Ensured compliance with technical and performance standards.

Delivered projects on time and within budget.

Improved operational readiness through optimized hardware deployment.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Master of Engineering (M.E.): Electrical Engineering Old Dominion University, 2009

Specialized in data-driven decision-making, IT strategy, and organizational leadership. Completed advanced coursework in quantitative analysis, systems management, and various programing languages—building strong competencies in performance metrics, process automation, and aligning technology solutions with business goals.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.): Electrical Engineering U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 2002

Integrated Coast Guard leadership principles with technical expertise in hardware/software systems, cybersecurity, and communications. Developed a strong foundation in maritime operations, network infrastructure, and secure information systems, with emphasis on mission readiness, interoperability, and team-based problem solving.

CERTIFICATIONS

Senior Program Management Certification (PMP equivalent), Department of Homeland Security, 2012

Systems Engineering Certification, Department of Homeland Security, 2014

Federal Acquisition Certification Contracting Officer Representative Level 2, Federal Acquisition Institute, 2025

Information Technology, U.S. Coast Guard, 2014

Mission Management System Auditor (ISO 9001 equivalent), U.S. Coast Guard, 2019

CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS

Regulatory Compliance (Maritime, Port Security, Environmental)

IT Project & Program Management (Agile, Waterfall, and SDLC)

Logistics & Infrastructure Operations

Emergency Response / Incident Command Type 3 (ICS Certified as Ops and Investigation Sector Chief)

Contract & Vendor Management (COR II)

Budget Oversight & Cost Control ($50M+)

LEADER MANAGEMENT STRENTHS

Risk Mitigation & Safety Leadership

Strategic Planning & Executive Briefing

Global Operations & Diplomatic Liaison

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