Program Manager

Program Manager

Are you a strategic leader who thrives on solving complex engineering and operational challenges in support of defense initiatives? As our Program Manager, you will be the operational heartbeat driving multi-disciplinary teams across critical mission areasfrom AI/ML and data science to cyber, cross-domain solutions, and fielded tactical communications. You will ensure flawless contract delivery, lead high-performing technical teams, and partner directly with government stakeholders to deliver mission-critical defense capabilities when and where they matter most.

Location: Aberdeen, MD; Onsite/Hybrid

Reports To: Program Manager / Designee

Job Type: Full-time

Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI clearance (U.S. Citizenship is required)

About Lufco & Our Mission:

At Lufco, we are driven by a singular mission: to protect our nation by empowering national security initiatives with ground-breaking solutions. We partner with high-impact programs to deliver advanced engineering, cybersecurity, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and data science capabilities directly to the edge. When you join Lufco, you aren't just taking a job; you are stepping into a supportive, collaborative crew of top-tier engineers and leaders who are passionate about defending the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership & Operations:
• Plan, execute, and direct complex, multi-faceted engineering and technical support programs across diverse team boundaries.
• Rapidly execute new Technical Direction Letters (TDLs) and surge requirementsensuring 100% operational staffing readiness within 30 days of issuance.
• Oversee multidisciplinary execution threads, including SIGINT, AI/ML, open-API integration, cross-domain systems, enterprise cyber, and fielded communications platforms.
• Quality & Performance Management:
• Develop, implement, and enforce a rigorous Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure all contractual deliverables meet stringent standards.
• Monitor performance metrics against the government's Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), consistently achieve and exceed Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs).
• Conduct root-cause analysis and lead swift corrective action plans (CAPs) whenever performance discrepancies arise.
• Stakeholder & Team Alignment:
• Serve as the primary contractor point of contact to the Contracting Officer (KO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and government Program Managers.
• Manage schedules, resources, budget lines, risk mitigation plans, and deliverable tracking across all program phases.
• Direct, mentor, and resource cross-functional project leads and technical teams to foster a high-performing collaborative work culture.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related technical field. An additional 4+ years of direct program management experience in a DoD environment may be substituted for a formal degree.

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience as a Program/Project Manager leading complex DoW engineering, C5ISR, or intelligence spectrum warfare programs.
• Proven track record managing Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract line items.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and managing Quality Control Plans (QCPs) and tracking contract deliverables.
• PMP Certification (Project Management Professional) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III in Program Management is preferred.
• Technical familiarity with AI/ML integration, cloud computing, SIGINT systems, data science frameworks, or cross-domain solutions is preferred.
• Experience overseeing CUI-compliant lab facilities or integration spaces supporting Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) is preferred.
• Prior experience with Service Contract Reporting (SCR) via SAM.gov and Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) platforms is preferred.

Skills:

• Technical & Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of systems engineering lifecycles, cybersecurity accreditation, and government surveillance/quality assurance processes (QASP/QCP).
• Soft Skills: Outstanding leadership, executive-level oral/written communication, client relationship management, proactive problem-solving, and a mission-first mindset.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel as required.
• Standard office environment with occasional requirements to visit client sites, labs, or field environments.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to critical national security initiatives and make a real difference in protecting our nation.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with the latest advancements in SIGINT and related fields.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development, training, and advancement within a growing company.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team of highly skilled and supportive engineers who are passionate about their work.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, generous PTO, health/dental/vision insurance, 401K matching, tuition reimbursement.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: Salaries depend on labor category, years of experience, education, skills relevant to the position, and type of contract.
• Benefits: Including Paid Time Off; 401K Contribution and Employer Match Contributions; and Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.