Full Job Description
Barbaricum is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead execution of anticipated Department of Defense (DoD) programs at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. The successful candidate will serve as the primary contractor lead responsible for organizing, directing, and coordinating all contract support activities across multiple technical disciplines, including systems engineering, operations research, logistics, cybersecurity, acquisition support, and technical writing. This position requires a proven defense program management professional with the ability to interface directly with Government leadership, manage cross-functional contractor teams, and ensure the delivery of high-quality technical support across the full program lifecycle. The Program Manager will serve as the single point of accountability for all contract performance, responsible for translating Government requirements into executable plans, managing cost, schedule, and technical performance across all task areas, and ensuring contract deliverables meet Government standards and timelines. This role requires direct coordination with Government Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), technical leads, and senior stakeholders while leading a diverse team of engineers, analysts, logistics specialists, and administrative professionals supporting counter-threat and emerging technology missions.
What You'll Do
• Organize, direct, and coordinate planning, staffing, and execution of all contract support activities across systems engineering, technical advisory, operations research, logistics, acquisition, cybersecurity, and administrative functions.
• Serve as the primary contractor interface with Government personnel, including the Contracting Officer (KO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and program stakeholders, ensuring responsive communication, issue resolution, and alignment with mission priorities.
• Manage contract performance against cost, schedule, and technical baselines, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions to maintain quality and delivery commitments.
• Formulate and review project feasibility studies, work breakdown structures, and resource plans; determine costs, establish milestones, and ensure conformance to Government work standards and contract requirements.
• Interpret and communicate organizational policies, contract requirements, and Government objectives to subordinate team leads and technical staff to ensure consistent execution across all task areas.
• Manage logistics support analysis for military systems, including property accountability, equipment lifecycle management, and supply chain coordination in support of Government programs.
• Oversee systems safety studies, risk assessments, and technical evaluations conducted by engineering and analytical staff; ensure findings are documented and communicated to Government stakeholders.
• Identify, acquire, and allocate company resources - including personnel, facilities, and technical capabilities - to achieve project technical objectives and respond to evolving Government requirements.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with applicable Government security requirements, including management of personnel clearances, classified information handling, and SCIF access protocols.
• Prepare and deliver program status briefings, monthly reports, quarterly performance reviews, and executive-level presentations to Government leadership and corporate management.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance management for contract staff; ensure appropriate skill mix and staffing levels to meet contract requirements.
• Support contract modifications, task order negotiations, and proposal development activities as required to sustain and grow program scope.
• Ensure all contract activities comply with applicable DoD regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Government quality and security standards.
Required Qualifications
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• Active Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Program Management Level III certification
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related discipline
• Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in design, development, and program execution supporting DoD programs
• Five (5) years of management and supervision of substantive military hardware and/or software development programs
• Five (5) years of systems analysis experience supporting defense acquisition or technical programs
• Ten (10) years of DoD-related program management with U.S. military and/or other Government agencies
• Military experience at the grade of E-5 or above, or equivalent DoD civilian or contractor program leadership experience
Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in engineering, systems engineering, business administration, or a related field
• Experience managing DoD contracts in support of DoD acquisition programs
• Experience managing programs at Aberdeen Proving Ground, DEVCOM, or Army research and development organizations
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience and proficiency with DoD financial management and reporting requirements
• Experience with DoD 5000 acquisition framework and lifecycle management processes