Senior Program Manager


Job description:

Employment Type: Full-time (Proposal Position – contingent on contract award)

About Us

Griot Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) founded and led by combat veterans with over 20 years of military and IT leadership experience. We specialize in software development, AI/ML integration, cybersecurity, and data engineering to solve complex challenges for federal and defense clients.

Our mission is to deliver agile, high-impact technical solutions while building trusted partnerships across the DoD and federal landscape. As a growing veteran-led team, we combine operational experience with cutting-edge technology to ensure mission success.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Program Manager to serve as Key Personnel on a proposal effort supporting NAVSEA spectrum certification and real-time spectrum operations (RTSO).

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for overall program performance, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of critical engineering services across multiple Navy sites. The Program Manager will:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact with NAVSEA and NIWC leadership, ensuring alignment with mission priorities, technical objectives, and acquisition requirements.

  • Provide executive-level oversight of work spanning RF spectrum certification, real-time spectrum operations (RTSO), DevSecOps software development, systems architecture, cybersecurity, and test engineering.

  • Oversee compliance with DoD security directives, DD254 requirements, RMF/IA controls, and spectrum policy under NTIA/DoD guidelines.

  • Lead program planning and execution across geographically dispersed locations including Dahlgren, VA; Washington, DC; San Diego, CA (NIWC Pacific); Point Mugu, CA; and China Lake, CA.

  • Directly support Navy stakeholders with program updates, milestone reviews, Integrated Product Team (IPT) participation, and data-driven reporting.

  • Manage cost, schedule, and performance metrics in accordance with DoD acquisition frameworks and NAVSEA program baselines.

  • Build and sustain a high-performing workforce of cleared engineers and analysts, ensuring compliance with DoD 8570/8140 certification requirements and fostering continuous professional development.

  • Coordinate with prime and subcontractor partners, driving collaboration through contract data requirements list (CDRL) management, deliverable reviews, and configuration control.

  • Guide transition-in activities, ensuring a seamless handoff of responsibilities and continuity of operations during contract award.

This role requires a leader who can operate effectively at the strategic level with Navy leadership while still engaging at the execution level with technical teams, ensuring mission readiness and operational success.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide overall leadership for contract performance, ensuring all requirements are met on time and within scope.

  • Serve as the single point of contact with the government for program execution and deliverables.

  • Manage a multi-disciplinary team of RF engineers, software developers, systems architects, cybersecurity specialists, and test engineers across multiple locations.

  • Oversee program budgets, schedules, risk management, and quality control.

  • Drive recruitment, retention, and workforce planning for cleared technical staff.

  • Coordinate with teaming partners to align resources and maximize contract success.

Ideal Candidate

  • Holds an active TS/SCI clearance.

  • 10–15+ years of program management experience in DoD/Navy programs, with direct exposure to NAVSEA, NIWC PAC, NAVAIR, or Navy Warfare Centers.

  • Proven success as a Program Manager or Senior Program Manager leading large-scale engineering, spectrum, or C4ISR-related contracts.

  • Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, contract data requirements lists (CDRLs), Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), and milestone review cycles.

  • Deep understanding of spectrum certification, electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), and compliance with NTIA/DoD spectrum policies.

  • Demonstrated ability to oversee teams working in classified environments, ensuring compliance with DD254 requirements, RMF controls, STIGs, and DoD 8570/8140 workforce standards.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, IT, or related field (Master’s preferred).

  • PMP, DAWIA Program Management, or ITIL certification highly desirable.

  • Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to brief senior Navy officials while managing day-to-day execution across multiple sites.

  • Experience leading teams across San Diego, Point Mugu, China Lake, Dahlgren, and DC locations a plus.

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a veteran-led SDVOSB making an impact in Navy modernization and spectrum operations.

  • Play a critical Key Personnel role on a high-visibility NAVSEA contract.

  • Contribute to a growing company that values mission focus, innovation, and people first leadership.

  • Opportunities for career growth, training, and leadership influence as we expand our defense portfolio.

How to Apply

Submit your resume through LinkedIn or directly to info@griotsolutions.com

with the subject line: “Senior Program Manager – NAVSEA RTSO.”

This position is contingent upon contract award. Hiring will occur following award notification, with an anticipated start date aligned to the government’s transition timeline. Candidates selected will be required to provide a letter of commitment as part of the proposal process.