Operations Program Manager Jobs in Dahlgren, VA (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager (E40-2026-25660):

Bowhead seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Test & Evaluation Division (E40

Why Bowhead?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic and supportive environment.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities.

The Program Manager will oversee engineering, test execution, data management, ordnance handling, marine operations, instrumentation support, corrective maintenance, and emergency repair activities across the Potomac River Test Range (PRTR). This role requires deep technical experience, disciplined program leadership, and the ability to manage complex operations in a hightempo, safetycritical environment.

Job duties include but are not limited to: 

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and accountability for contract performance across all PRTR support areas.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with NSWCDD leadership, ensuring clear communication, timely reporting, and proactive issue resolution.
• Manage daily operations supporting test planning, coordination, execution, data collection, reduction, analysis, and documentation.
• Oversee explosive material handling, ordnance safety compliance, and coordination with range safety personnel.
• Direct marine operations, mobile target support, facility readiness, and emergency repair activities.
• Ensure instrumentation setup, calibration, operation, and corrective maintenance are performed to NSWCDD standards.
• Lead workforce planning, staffing, onboarding, and performance management for a diverse technical team.
• Maintain strict compliance with contract requirements, safety regulations, quality standards, and ISO 9000 principles.
• Develop schedules, deliverables, risk assessments, budgets, and resource plans to support mission execution.
• Manage subcontractor performance and coordinate activities across multiple technical disciplines.
• Drive continuous improvement, modernization, and process optimization across all support functions.
• Other duties as assigned

• Ten years of progressively responsible technical experience supporting complex defense programs.
• Eight years of specialized experience in handson development, evaluation, and rigorous testing of major weapons systems.
• Six years of demonstrated Program Management experience overseeing efforts of comparable size and complexity, including managing diverse technical teams.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and maintain strong relationships with Government stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a Test and Evaluation environment with engineers, testers, and Government personnel.
• Expertise in Program Management methodologies such as PMI and Agile.
• Extensive knowledge of weapons systems development, evaluation, and testing processes across the full lifecycle.
• Experience in lifecycle planning and cost analysis, including budget development, cost forecasting, and resource optimization.
• Experience with Navy and Marine Corps weapons systems, acquisition processes, and T&E program structures.
• Prior experience managing T&E programs involving complex technical requirements and multiple subcontractors.
• Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts
• Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team

Target salary is $120,000/annually to $180,000/annually commensurate with experience

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold an active Secret security clearance. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds

Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time

Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically 

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