Programs Associate Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD (NOW HIRING)

Dcode is a team of doers dedicated to bridging the gap between the speed of technology and the federal government. We align people, culture, policies, and processes to get tech in the hands of those who need it most. Operating at the nexus of government leaders, emerging tech companies, and venture capital, we turn roadblocks into results. 

We are seeking a mission-driven, detail-oriented Senior Program Associate to support the execution of high-priority initiatives for a defense sector client. This role is ideal for a professional with 2–3 years of experience who can independently execute defined workstreams while contributing to broader program success.

In this role, you will help stand up and operationalize a structured “action cell” using Dcode’s RAIC methodology, supporting efforts to streamline acquisition, improve decision-making, and modernize financial planning and execution. You will produce high-quality, decision-ready deliverables, contribute to the development of repeatable processes and frameworks, and support client engagements in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Success in this role means delivering high-quality outputs with consistency, developing a strong understanding of client mission priorities, anticipating challenges, and proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.

Salary range: $79,000 to $98,000 plus bi-annual bonuses

TS-SCI with polygraph is strongly preferred.  Eligibility for clearance is Required

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Execute defined workstreams with guidance, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of outputs.
• Develop clear, structured deliverables (briefings, analyses, frameworks, and reports) that support client decision-making and program progress.
• Support the design, documentation, and validation of operating models, workflows, and governance structures.
• Assist in building and refining repeatable playbooks, decision frameworks, and program artifacts.
• Contribute to agile, sprint-based execution cycles, ensuring consistent progress and visibility.

Analysis & Problem Solving

• Conduct discovery and analysis to identify bottlenecks, gaps, and opportunities across acquisition, funding, and requirements processes.
• Support the development of decision frameworks (e.g., down-selects, risk assessments, transition readiness).
• Help define and track performance metrics, including cycle time, throughput, and decision velocity.
• Contribute to ROI and impact models that inform leadership decisions and future investment strategies.

Client Engagement & Stakeholder Support

• Support day-to-day client interactions, including meeting preparation, note-taking, and follow-up actions.
• Build an understanding of the client’s mission priorities and how program activities align to broader organizational goals.
• Assist in facilitating alignment across stakeholders by preparing materials and synthesizing inputs.
• Contribute to the development of communication materials that support leadership alignment and culture change.

Continuous Improvement & Initiative

• Anticipate potential issues and proactively suggest solutions or process improvements.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to refining tools, frameworks, and methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce delivery friction, and enhance program impact.

Required Skills and Experience

• 2–3 years of relevant professional experience (consulting, government, defense, or related fields).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure ambiguous problems.
• Experience producing high-quality, client-ready deliverables (PowerPoint, Excel, written reports).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with or interest in government acquisition, innovation, or technology integration.
• Comfort working in agile, iterative delivery environments

• Take ownership of your workstreams and consistently deliver high-quality outputs.
• Are proactive in identifying problems and proposing thoughtful solutions.
• Can connect day-to-day tasks to broader mission and organizational priorities.
• Thrive in structured but fast-moving environments with evolving requirements.
• Are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn in a mission-driven setting.

We look for resilient hustlers: 
Our CEO busted her face on the balance beam in college and got back up… our CRO has knocked on a thousand doors, was rejected 999 times, and kept on knocking... What is your story? 

Equal Opportunity Statement

We provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, or disability status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe diversity is a strength and aim to build an innovative and welcoming culture where people from all backgrounds feel respected and included. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has the tools, resources, and opportunities to excel.

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