OPIR Senior Program Manager

Chimera Enterprises International

$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or 18+ years of directly relevant experience.
  • 12+ years managing or supporting acquisition programs in IC or DoD.
  • Experience with Major Systems Acquisition projects in integrated environments.
  • Recent experience with TCPED for persistent GEOINT (OPIR preferred).
  • Ability to provide decision-quality data for resource allocation affecting NSG programs.
  • Strong program management and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Active TS//SCI clearance with current CI Polygraph or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

  • Lead lifecycle management of OPIR and GEOINT initiatives, from planning to execution.
  • Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource tracking for timely delivery.
  • Analyze program budgets and track expenditures to align with financial constraints.
  • Support acquisition strategy reviews and evaluation teams during source selection.
  • Act as a liaison with government customers for status updates and recommendations.
  • Identify and mitigate program-level risks across cost, schedule, and technical dimensions.
  • Facilitate technical meetings and program reviews to address stakeholder objectives.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on high-visibility programs within the Intelligence Community and DoD.
  • Engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, including international partners.
  • Access to professional development opportunities and certification support.
  • Collaborative environment fostering cross-functional teamwork and innovation.
  • Potential for involvement in cutting-edge technology initiatives and projects.
Full Job Description
Position Summary

The OPIR Senior Program Manager provides end-to-end leadership and advisory support for high-visibility OPIR and persistent GEOINT acquisition programs within the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. This role oversees complex program lifecycles-from concept through delivery-ensuring cost, schedule, and performance objectives are met while aligning with evolving operational needs. The Senior Program Manager serves as a key integrator across government, FFRDCs, contractors, and international partners, translating strategic priorities into executable plans. The ideal candidate brings deep acquisition expertise, proven experience in IC/DoD environments, and the ability to deliver decision-quality information to senior leaders.Key Responsibilities
  • Lead program management activities across the full lifecycle of OPIR and persistent GEOINT initiatives, including planning, execution, risk management, and performance oversight.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project plans, milestones, timelines, and resource tracking tools to ensure timely and effective delivery of mission capabilities.
  • Coordinate closely with Program Control to analyze program budgets, track expenditures, and maintain alignment with financial constraints and strategic priorities.
  • Support source selection processes by reviewing and refining acquisition strategies, supporting evaluation teams, and ensuring fair, compliant contract awards.
  • Serve as a primary liaison with government customers and stakeholders, providing clear, concise status updates, briefings, and recommendations.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate program-level risks across cost, schedule, and technical dimensions, driving proactive issue resolution.
  • Participate in and lead technical interchange meetings, program reviews, and stakeholder engagements to ensure program objectives are met and stakeholder equities are addressed.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Engineering, Science, Business, or similar); 18+ years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 12+ years of experience directly supporting or managing acquisition programs in the Intelligence Community (IC) or Department of Defense (DoD).
  • Demonstrated experience with Major Systems Acquisition-level projects in the IC or DoD, including integrated contractor/government team environments.
  • Direct, recent (within the past 5 years) experience enabling and executing TCPED for persistent GEOINT phenomena (OPIR strongly desired).
  • Proven ability to provide senior leaders with decision-quality data for resource allocation (money and manpower) affecting high-visibility NSG programs.
  • Strong program management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
  • Active TS//SCI clearance with current CI Polygraph, or eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain this level of clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Project Management Professional (PMP), DAWIA (Program Management or related), or equivalent acquisition/program management certification.
  • Experience managing OCONUS programs and coordinating with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassies, and international partners.
  • Familiarity with NGA, NSG, and OPIR/persistent GEOINT mission sets and enterprise architectures.
  • Experience leading multi-organizational initiatives involving government, FFRDCs, contractors, and allied partners.
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Systems Management, National Security, or related discipline.

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