Program Manager Defense Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Program Manager, Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the execution and oversight of mission-critical programs supporting the BMC3I Elite contract. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program management to ensure successful delivery of enterprise service management capabilities in support of Department of Defense (DoD) missions. 

The Program Manager, SME will work closely with government stakeholders, technical teams, subcontractors, and senior leadership to oversee program execution, contract performance, resource management, and customer engagement. The ideal candidate has extensive experience managing large-scale defense programs, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering enterprise IT and service management solutions. 

This position requires strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, along with a thorough understanding of BMC3I capabilities, defense acquisition, and enterprise program management. The successful candidate will drive mission success by ensuring program objectives are achieved while fostering collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. 

Key Responsibilities

The Program Manager, SME will:

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of BMC3I Elite support initiatives, system enhancements, and program objectives  
• Develop, maintain, and oversee integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, performance metrics, and resource allocations to ensure successful program execution  
• Ensure compliance with all applicable governance, cybersecurity, quality assurance, and contractual requirements, as well as DoD and organizational standards  
• Serve as the primary interface between Government Contracting Officers, program leadership, technical teams, vendors, subcontractors, and end users to ensure effective communication and mission alignment  
• Translate business, operational, and technical requirements into executable program plans, deliverables, and integrated solutions  
• Oversee the configuration, integration, sustainment, and optimization of support services associated with BMC3I capabilities and enterprise systems 
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation initiatives, and digital transformation strategies to improve operational efficiency and service delivery  
• Establish and drive continuous process improvement, quality management, risk mitigation, and issue resolution activities throughout the program lifecycle  
• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and mission-focused work environment  
• Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, program status reports, dashboards, and decision-support materials to senior government and contractor leadership  
• Monitor program performance, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and implement corrective actions to ensure cost, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved  
• Promote effective stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration to support mission success and continuous operational improvement 

Skills & Experience

The Program Manager, SME must have:

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance with Special Access Program (SAP) eligibility.  
• 15+ years of experience leading, managing, developing, sustaining, and operating complex enterprise-level programs within the Department of Defense (DoD) or national security environment 
• 15+ years of defense acquisition experience, supporting the planning, execution, and oversight of major acquisition programs throughout the program lifecycle 
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale system integrations, modernization efforts, enterprise upgrades, and operational support service delivery 
• Strong knowledge and practical experience leading programs using Agile, Hybrid, and Waterfall project management methodologies  
• Experience overseeing contractor performance, vendor relationships, subcontractors, and contract execution to ensure successful program outcomes  
• Proven experience managing program budgets, financial forecasting, cost performance, and resource planning 
• Ability to interpret complex technical requirements and effectively communicate with engineers, program managers, executive leadership, and non-technical stakeholders 

Education & Certifications

The Program Manager, SME must meet the following:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in, Engineering, Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field 

Preferred

• Master’s degree (MBA, MIS, MPM, or related) 
• DAWIA Program Management Level III 
• PMP (Project Management Professional)   

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

Company Summary

Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.

Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."

Company Employment Statement

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.