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AI Assistant Program Manager (PMP, TS/SCI)

Location:
Chicago, IL
Posted:
August 28, 2026

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Resume:

ALLI DHANARAJ, PMP, TS/SCI

Naperville, IL-***** ************@*****.***

630-***-**** LinkedIn

Leadership Summary:

Led AI Assistant integration across multiple enterprise platforms at Caterpillar Defined AI performance metrics framework (availability, uptime, SLA tracking) Drove transition to API-based data architecture for scalable AI insights Delivered executive dashboards and reporting for AI program governance Professional Summary:

Technical Program Manager with 10+ years of experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives across enterprise and defense sectors. Proven expertise in AI-driven program management, data analytics, and digital product integration, with recent leadership in deploying AI Assistant capabilities at Caterpillar (Cat Digital).

Skilled in aligning cross-functional teams, driving roadmap execution, and delivering data-driven insights through scalable platforms. Strong background in Agile, DevSecOps, and cloud technologies, with a focus on AI/ML adoption, performance metrics, and enterprise integration strategies. Key Skills:

● Project Management: Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, PMP, SAFe

● Technical Skills: Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure), DevOps, Software Development, Systems Integration, CCNA, PMP, SAFe, ITIL4, CISSP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

● Tools: JIRA, Trello, Microsoft Project, Confluence, Power BI, Tableau

● Additional Skills:

o AI Program Management & Strategy

o AI Assistant / Conversational AI Platforms

o Data Product Integration (API-driven architectures) o AI Performance Metrics (Availability, SLA, Quality) o Digital Product Onboarding & Integration

o Enterprise Analytics & Executive Reporting

o Vendor Management, Budget Management, Risk Assessment, Compliance Process Transformation, Data Analytics, AI & ML, DevSecOps, Cybersecurity Professional Experiences:

Senior Program Delivery Manager Caterpillar 2026 – Present

● Leading enterprise AI Assistant program integration across multiple digital platforms and Driving end-to-end program management for AI Assistant capabilities, including roadmap planning, stakeholder alignment, and cross-product integration strategy.

● Partnering with product, engineering, and data teams to improving accuracy and scalability of AI-driven insights. Defining and tracking AI performance metrics (availability, quality, SLA adherence) and establishing standardized reporting frameworks for executive visibility.

● Managing cross-functional initiatives, Coordinating integration of enterprise systems with AI Assistant to enable real-time, actionable insights for dealers and customers. Driving governance and requirement consolidation across stakeholders to ensure unified AI feature development and deployment.

● Leading executive reporting through Power BI dashboards and presentations, highlighting risks, trends, and program health (RAG status, timelines, dependencies).

● Facilitating alignment across senior stakeholders (product, engineering, analytics, and operations) to accelerate delivery of AI-enabled capabilities.

Information System Security Officer SAIC July 2025 - June 2026

● Manage RMF activities in accordance with NIST 800-37, ICD 503 and DoD requirements

● Prepare, review and submit Cybersecurity/Information Assurance documentation

● Review audit log reports for potential security issues Page 1 of 4

● Set up and operate VTC equipment in a SCIF room

● Periodic status reporting to the Director

Senior Program Director SAIC September 2024 – July 2025

● Led the $450M Digital Transformation Acquisition, Modernization, and Modification (DTAMM) contract

(FFP for labor and Cost Plus for other expenses) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, driving strategic initiatives to modernize critical infrastructure.

● Managed a $12M project to design and develop obsolete I-Stalker components and sensors for Navy Shipyard combat systems using MIL-STD-810H for Environmental testing and providing NAVSEA drawings for all the cards.

● Used Data analytics with AI assistant to analyze and make decisions to resolve inefficiencies based on data.

● Managed team of Systems engineers to design and integrate the new Antenna, and the ACU with the Classified/Non-Classified servers.

● Migration of product development data from AccuRev to Aras Innovator

● Held P&L responsibility for a $35M telemetry replacement project, ensuring budgetary compliance and optimizing cost-efficiency.

● Successfully managed the $20M development project for a 44’ antenna, digitizing and modernizing the Space Force’s Western Range equipment.

● Oversaw launch site operations in the Western Range, managing comprehensive telemetry and data systems to ensure reliable mission support and data integrity.

● Directed vendor management and led competitive bidding processes for construction, equipment, and integration. Effectively handled both sole-source and competitive bids for various Statements of Work

(SOWs).

● Implemented Agile methodologies and project management best practices to streamline project workflows, resulting in a 20% improvement in delivery timelines.

● Coordinated cross-functional teams, including engineers, developers, and analysts, to ensure alignment with project goals and deliverables.

● Conducted risk assessments and developed mitigation strategies, reducing project risks and improving overall project success rates.

● Facilitated regular project review meetings with stakeholders, providing comprehensive updates and ensuring transparent communication on project status, milestones, and potential issues.

● Enhanced project documentation and reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and consistency in tracking project progress and financials.

● Engaged with Space Force leadership to align project objectives with organizational goals, ensuring strategic value and operational readiness.

Technical Project/Program Leader CNH Industrial 2021 – April 2024

● Directed CNHOS project, transitioning from Android to a universal Mobile OS for CNH tractor displays. Coordinated with customers and internal departments to create roadmaps, manage PLM for the Linux Conversion, and ensure alignment with user requirements.

● Developed custom Power BI dashboards to facilitate critical business decision-making, enhancing trend identification, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement.

● Achieved quarterly cost savings of $190,000 by consolidating overlapping projects and effectively transferring knowledge to internal teams, optimizing resource utilization.

● Negotiated vendor contracts worth over $140,000, driving cost efficiency, and managed a $15 million budget, prioritizing business needs and strategic initiatives.

● Led Agile transformation within five precision farming teams, improving efficiency through SAFe practices and promoting a cultural shift towards Agile methodologies.

● Spearheaded the development and integration of guidance and positioning features, primarily utilizing Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to enhance precision and functionality.

● Managed cybersecurity implementation for BYOD/BYOC features, incorporating PEN testing into the feature testing process to ensure robust security protocols.

● Oversaw the development and successful delivery of Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) and PCM3 updates, enhancing the functionality and reliability of embedded systems.

● Transformed inefficient release processes into streamlined systems by introducing data collection and analysis tools, advocating for automation in testing and simulation to reduce hardware dependency. Page 2 of 4

● Led the implementation of Agile and DevSecOps methodologies to streamline workflows and enhance system reliability.

● Automated testing and simulation, reducing manual errors and improving security posture.

● Enhanced CI/CD pipelines with security checks, aligning development velocity with governance controls.

Program Manager Northrop Grumman 2019 – 2021

● Managed RMF (Risk Management Framework) compliance, meticulously maintaining project risk lists and monitoring mitigation strategies to ensure adherence to security protocols and regulatory requirements.

● Defined project vision and scope for the FFP contract with the Air Force, leading the InfraRed Countermeasures (IRCM) program from inception to completion, successfully delivering high-impact solutions to enhance defense capabilities.

● Applied data-driven methods to identify systemic deficiencies, leveraging analytics to improve development and test metrics, thereby increasing the overall efficiency and quality of project deliverables.

● Managed budget and schedule via Earned Value Management System (EVMS), ensuring financial discipline and providing accurate weekly program updates to senior management and clients.

● Developed comprehensive project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and stakeholder expectations.

● Led cross-functional teams, including engineers, analysts, and technical specialists, fostering a collaborative environment to drive project success and innovation.

● Conducted regular risk assessments, identifying potential project risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies to minimize impact and ensure project continuity. Critical Support Manager Nokia 2015 – 2019

● Implemented new CRM processes to improve customer service and issue resolution, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing average issue resolution time by 30%.

● Managed multi-million-dollar deployments for major telecom clients (Sprint, Verizon, ATT), overseeing infrastructure projects and ensuring seamless product deployments and robust network performance and security.

● Facilitated design of modified requirements with the system engineers and coordinated to verify the requirements

● Created and tracked Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), generating detailed performance reports and providing insights to senior management for informed decision-making.

● Managed a team of 14 engineers, conducting regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback, and mentoring team members for professional growth and career advancement.

● Enhanced customer experience by implementing a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores.

● Led root cause analysis (RCA) for critical incidents, developing and implementing effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence and improve overall service reliability.

● Coordinated with global support teams across regions, including China, India, and the Netherlands, to resolve complex technical issues and ensure timely service delivery. Sprint Executive Customer Critical Support Engineer Alcatel Lucent Nokia 2014 – 2015

● Replicated and resolved complex customer issues across all platforms, including network, database hardware, and software in a lab setting, ensuring robust problem-solving and customer satisfaction.

● Managed network deployments, overseeing firewalls, VLANs, eNBs, small cells, and TCP/IP connections to RAN ports for effective debugging and seamless integration.

● Optimized RF systems, balancing user traffic between FDD and TDD across major networks (Sprint, ATT, Verizon, Metro PCS) to enhance network performance and reliability.

● Utilized Wireshark for extensive troubleshooting of network issues, identifying and resolving bottlenecks to improve network efficiency and reduce downtime.

● Conducted FPGA testing to identify hardware and firmware issues, applying specific inputs and verifying outputs to ensure product quality and performance. Lead Test Engineer Alcatel Lucent Nokia 2012 – 2014 Page 3 of 4

● Conducted test estimation, strategy, planning, and development for 3G, 4G, mMIMO, and 5G features in both waterfall and Agile environments, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.Verifying RF signaling and waveform testing for mMIMO feature.

● Led LTE project integration testing, achieving the first LTE call trial and presenting results to Verizon, demonstrating the project's success and technical viability.

● Developed and executed test plans, designed test cases, and performed regression, feature, performance, and requirements verification tests to ensure product reliability.

● Worked closely with systems engineering and business analysts to understand requirements and translate them into effective test scenarios.

● Managed resource planning for testing, including lab setup, staffing considerations, and vendor testing with Qualcomm prototypes, ensuring readiness for test execution.

● Automated test processes for mobile acceptance testing and Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) testing, improving efficiency and reducing manual efforts.

● Served as the subject matter expert (SME) for developing simulators to test specific code that could not be tested with available mobile devices.

● Collaborated with program managers, business teams, product teams, and third-party vendors to prepare the lab for testing, create development/test plans, and execute test cases. Scrum Master Alcatel Lucent Nokia 2011 – 2012

● Streamlined team operations by eliminating obstacles, fostering a conducive environment, and coaching the team to self-organize and achieve optimal performance.

● Synthesized user stories after customer consultation, managing timelines and prioritizing tasks to ensure timely and effective delivery.

● Conducted daily stand-up meetings, Sprint planning, and retrospectives, upholding Agile principles and values to drive continuous improvement.

● Coordinated with product and development management teams using TFS to fulfill requirements, optimize iterative Sprint cycles, and enhance product quality.

● Led efforts to foster a culture of collaboration and transparency within the team, promoting open communication and shared responsibility. Facilitated Sprint integration, ensuring seamless incorporation of new features and enhancements into the development process. Education:

● M.S. in Computer Science GPA: 3.91/4.0

● Veterinary Medicine GPA: 3.88/4.0

Technologies & Tools:

Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Project, Dynamics CRM, Power BI, Tableau, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Confluence, MySQL, SQL Server, Jenkins, Git, Slack, Oracle Database, VMware, Salesforce CRM, SQLlite, Data Modeling, Azure, Data Munging, Adobe, Cybersecurity, C++, Java, Python, MS Office Suite, CoPilot, ClearQuest, JIRA, SDLC, Citrix, Lean Six Sigma, Avaya Switches, TCP/IP, MDM, Mobile platforms, QXDM, QPST, QCAT, XCAL, Amazon Connect, ADB, Putty, Wireshark, LabVIEW, Power World, TeamCenter, SAP & SAP idocs, Microsoft 365, Azure Intune, RISE, GitHub, Access Request Monitor, PCAT, GES, Linux, Remedy, SDL, ISO9001, EVMS32, Yocto, Docker, Kubernetes, CMMI, ERP, cGMP, ServiceNow, DOORS, 5G, Salesforce, SIP Protocols, AWS, Data Analytics, Azure Cloud, Selenium, Shell Scripting, Bitbucket, TCP/IP traffic monitoring, Leadership, MDM, Informatica, Oracle Financial, MicroSoft365, Azure DevOps, Data Warehousing, CISCO Networking, Email Security, POS, Backoffice Security, AccuRev, Aras, Corner Stone, and ReadyOne.

Awards & Recognitions

● Top 20 Women of 2021

● Bell Labs Best Engineer

● Volunteer of the Year by Congressman Danny K. Davis

● Department Best Performer (Twice)

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