Startup Program Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Second Front Systems (2F) is seeking a visionary Senior Federal Program Manager to join our mission-driven team. Operating at the intersection of technology and national security, we are a fast-growing company dedicated to delivering transformative solutions for our nation's defenders. In this pivotal role, you will help shape the future of a company redefining how software is secured and delivered within the defense sector.

At 2F, we combine startup agility with a steadfast commitment to national security. You will drive the execution strategy for deploying and scaling our revolutionary Game Warden platform alongside Frontier—an industry-leading toolset accelerating the secure adoption of SaaS solutions for the U.S. government. If you value ingenuity and collaboration, we want you on our team.

As a Senior Program Manager, you will serve as the primary execution lead for key workstreams. You will manage government contract vehicles end-to-end, navigating the critical path from initial prototype solicitation to successful production scaling.

Note: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret / SCI eligible security clearance. Candidates holding an active or interim DoD TS/SCI eligible clearance (or higher) are strongly preferred. Due to the strict federal security requirements for this role, U.S. citizenship is required.

• DC/Maryland/Virginia

• Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC

• Denver/Colorado Springs, CO

• Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and internal 2F teams, owning program health and relationships end-to-end across both government and commercial engagements.

• Lead program startup activities including WBS definition, business rhythm establishment, process definition, and infrastructure setup to ensure contract compliance from day one.

• Develop, maintain, and manage integrated master schedules (IMS), milestones, and dependencies across complex, multi-stakeholder programs.

• Manage contract lifecycle activities including contract administration, CDRL generation and delivery, modification tracking, and ensuring all deliverables meet contractual requirements.

• Lead and facilitate recurring status meetings, customer reviews, program reviews, and executive briefings — delivering clear, concise updates on program health, risks, and priorities.

• Monitor and manage program financials including budget baselines, burn rates, EACs, and obligation timelines, flagging variances and driving corrective actions.

• Identify, track, and mitigate program risks and dependencies; maintain a living risk register and drive resolution across internal and external stakeholders.

• Support ROM development, proposal efforts, and contract negotiations in partnership with business development and finance teams.

• Produce and deliver high-quality monthly status reports, program dashboards, and ad hoc reporting for both government and commercial customers.

• Partner with engineering, product, and security teams to ensure technical deliverables align with program requirements, schedules, and compliance standards.

• Drive program growth by identifying expansion opportunities within existing accounts and supporting capture efforts alongside the Public Sector team.

• Ensure all program activities comply with applicable regulations, security requirements, and contractual obligations, including DoD acquisition frameworks and OTA agreements.

• Up to 25% travel may be required at times to support critical client integrations

• 15+ years of Program Management experience, specifically within DoD acquisition.

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance or demonstrated eligibility and ability to obtain one immediately.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for on-site collaboration in a fast-paced, startup-style government environment.

• Experience interfacing directly with senior government stakeholders, including delivering executive-level briefings to DoD leadership.

• Program Management Support: Contract management, schedule development, CDRL generation and planning, supporting status and customer meetings, ROM and proposal support, dependencies and risk support, and monthly status reports.

• Program Startup Support: Support early phases of starting a program to establish appropriate infrastructure for the team and ensure contract compliance, including WBS definition, process definition and refinement, business rhythm definition, and schedule & milestones preparation and support.

• Program Leadership: Serve as primary POC to customer and 2F team for small projects, both internal and external.

• PMI Certification

The base salary for this position will fall between $141,000-163,000 Your ultimate compensation will be determined by professional background, technical proficiency, seniority, and regional cost factors. Furthermore, this opportunity includes potential eligibility for equity awards and discretionary bonuses, rounding out a comprehensive total rewards offering.

• Viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth

• Having a bias toward action and tangible, measurable results

• Striving to be both compassionate and direct with your feedback

• Being team-oriented and inclusive with your action

This role is a full time position. As a public benefit corporation, we’re a team of purpose-driven trailblazers transforming the future of U.S. national security. We hire the best to do their best and, as such, we are committed to providing the perks and benefits you need to be successful—both in- and outside the workplace.

We offer you:

• Competitive Salary

• 100% Healthcare, vision and dental coverage

• 401(k) + 3% company contribution

• Additional benefit perks (One Medical membership, mental health resources and family planning assistance)

• Equity incentive plan

• Tech + office supplies stipend

• Annual professional development stipend

• Flexible paid time off + federal holidays off

• Parental leave

• Work virtually, located near one of our hubs

• Referral Bonus

Visit our careers page to learn more.

At Second Front Systems (2F), we empower defense and national security professionals to stay ahead in the ongoing race to leverage emerging technologies effectively and securely. Founded by three former U.S. Marines with firsthand experience of the dangers outdated technology poses in combat, our team is dedicated to fast-tracking government access to disruptive, commercially-proven technology for U.S. national security missions.

Our Game Warden product, a fully managed and compliant DevSecOps platform, accelerates the process for accrediting software as a service (SaaS) applications for government use.

Learn how 2F can help you make an impact on national security missions at www.secondfront.com

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Are you ready to join our team:

To apply, click the “Apply for This Job” button at the top or bottom of this page and complete the application form. This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Colorado:

In accordance with Colorado law, applicants may redact their date of birth, dates of attendance, and dates of graduation from any uploaded documents.

Maryland:

Under Maryland law, an employer may not require or demand, as a condition of employment, prospective employment, or continued employment, that an individual submit to or take a polygraph examination or similar test. An employer who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $100.

Compensation Range: $120K - $163K