Program Manager Defense Jobs in Aberdeen, MD (NOW HIRING)

Overview

Position Title: Program Manager

Location: Aberdeen, MD; Onsite/Hybrid

Reports To: Program Manager / Designee

Job Type: Full-time

Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI clearance (U.S. Citizenship is required)

About Lufco & Our Mission:

At Lufco, we are driven by a singular mission: to protect our nation by empowering national security initiatives with ground-breaking solutions. We partner with high-impact programs to deliver advanced engineering, cybersecurity, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and data science capabilities directly to the edge. When you join Lufco, you aren't just taking a job; you are stepping into a supportive, collaborative crew of top-tier engineers and leaders who are passionate about defending the future.

Summary:

Are you a strategic leader who thrives on solving complex engineering and operational challenges in support of defense initiatives? As our Program Manager, you will be the operational heartbeat driving multi-disciplinary teams across critical mission areas-from AI/ML and data science to cyber, cross-domain solutions, and fielded tactical communications. You will ensure flawless contract delivery, lead high-performing technical teams, and partner directly with government stakeholders to deliver mission-critical defense capabilities when and where they matter most.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership & Operations:
  • Plan, execute, and direct complex, multi-faceted engineering and technical support programs across diverse team boundaries.
  • Rapidly execute new Technical Direction Letters (TDLs) and surge requirements-ensuring 100% operational staffing readiness within 30 days of issuance.
  • Oversee multidisciplinary execution threads, including SIGINT, AI/ML, open-API integration, cross-domain systems, enterprise cyber, and fielded communications platforms.
• Quality & Performance Management:
  • Develop, implement, and enforce a rigorous Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure all contractual deliverables meet stringent standards.
  • Monitor performance metrics against the government's Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), consistently achieve and exceed Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs).
  • Conduct root-cause analysis and lead swift corrective action plans (CAPs) whenever performance discrepancies arise.
• Stakeholder & Team Alignment:
  • Serve as the primary contractor point of contact to the Contracting Officer (KO), Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and government Program Managers.
  • Manage schedules, resources, budget lines, risk mitigation plans, and deliverable tracking across all program phases.
  • Direct, mentor, and resource cross-functional project leads and technical teams to foster a high-performing collaborative work culture.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related technical field.
  • An additional 4+ years of direct program management experience in a DoD environment may be substituted for a formal degree.

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience as a Program/Project Manager leading complex DoW engineering, C5ISR, or intelligence spectrum warfare programs.
• Proven track record managing Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract line items.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and managing Quality Control Plans (QCPs) and tracking contract deliverables.
• PMP Certification (Project Management Professional) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III in Program Management is preferred.
• Technical familiarity with AI/ML integration, cloud computing, SIGINT systems, data science frameworks, or cross-domain solutions is preferred.
• Experience overseeing CUI-compliant lab facilities or integration spaces supporting Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) is preferred.
• Prior experience with Service Contract Reporting (SCR) via SAM.gov and Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) platforms is preferred.

Skills:

• Technical & Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of systems engineering lifecycles, cybersecurity accreditation, and government surveillance/quality assurance processes (QASP/QCP).
• Soft Skills: Outstanding leadership, executive-level oral/written communication, client relationship management, proactive problem-solving, and a mission-first mindset.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel as required.
• Standard office environment with occasional requirements to visit client sites, labs, or field environments.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to critical national security initiatives and make a real difference in protecting our nation.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with the latest advancements in SIGINT and related fields.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development, training, and advancement within a growing company.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team of highly skilled and supportive engineers who are passionate about their work.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, generous PTO, health/dental/vision insurance, 401K matching, tuition reimbursement.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: Salaries depend on labor category, years of experience, education, skills relevant to the position, and type of contract.
• Benefits: Including Paid Time Off; 401K Contribution and Employer Match Contributions; and Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.
• For the full list of Lufco Benefits, visit our website: https://www.lufburrow.com/careers

Position availability can vary due to dynamic, evolving contract needs. This job posting being active does not guarantee an immediately available position matching its description. This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may be subject to change based on the needs of the company.

Lufco provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Lufco Employees: This position qualifies for up to a Blue Award level referral bonus. For more information, visit the Employee Portal.