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Technical Program Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

GDIT

Program Director

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$216K - $293K/yr

The Program Director serves as the primary point of contract for the Sponsor's Contract Officer Technical Representative (COTR), Praxis/GDIT contract management, financial support personnel, security ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Program Director

Silver Spring, MD · Remote

Deliver senior-level technical oversight across multidisciplinary engineering, logistics, acquisition, and life-cycle management activities. * Direct program financial management, including budgeting ...

Apex Systems

Technical Program Manager

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

The technical program manager collaborates closely with direct report leaders and key stakeholders to drive performance, manage risks, support change initiatives, and deliver sustained business value ...

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All JobsTechnical Program JobsTechnical Program Director JobsTechnical Program Director Jobs in Reston, VA

Technical Program Director information

See Reston, VA salary details

$92.8K

$151.8K

$175.6K

How much do technical program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical program director in Reston, VA is $151,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,500.00 and $174,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Technical Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Program Director, you need expertise in program management, a strong technical background (often in computer science or engineering), and experience leading large-scale projects. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Asana), agile methodologies, and certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills help you manage cross-functional teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals in complex technical environments.

Is a TPM role stressful?

A Technical Program Manager (TPM) role can be stressful due to managing complex projects, tight deadlines, and coordinating multiple teams. The level of stress varies depending on the organization, project scope, and individual workload, but strong organizational and communication skills are essential to handle the demands effectively.

How does a Technical Program Director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

A Technical Program Director works closely with engineering, product management, design, and business teams to align project goals and technical requirements. They facilitate regular meetings to ensure clear communication, resolve roadblocks, and keep all stakeholders informed of progress and changes. By fostering a collaborative environment, they help teams anticipate challenges early and maintain momentum toward shared objectives. This role often acts as a bridge between technical and non-technical departments, ensuring alignment and smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Technical Program Director vs Technical Project Manager?

AspectTechnical Program DirectorTechnical Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications like PMP or PgMP are commonUsually holds a bachelor's degree in a technical field; PMP or similar certifications are often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple projects across departments, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term goalsManages individual projects, ensuring timely delivery and scope management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, large corporations, and organizations with complex product portfoliosWidely used in IT, software development, and engineering firms for project execution

The Technical Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple interconnected projects and aligning them with strategic business objectives, while the Technical Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of specific projects. Both roles require technical expertise and certifications, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

How much does a TPM make?

A Technical Program Manager (TPM) typically earns between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior TPMs or those in high-cost areas can earn over $180,000, often with bonuses and stock options included.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executive positions, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain executive roles like Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and some technology leaders with extensive experience and stock options often reach or exceed this level of compensation.

What does a technical program director do?

A technical program director oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of complex technical projects within an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure technical goals align with business objectives, often requiring strong leadership, communication, and technical expertise. They may also use project management tools and frameworks to track progress and mitigate risks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Program jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Technical Program jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Technical Program Director jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Program Director jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Technical Program Director jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Technical Program Director job openings:
Technical Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Program Director job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,525 per year, or $72.8 per hour.
Technical Program Director and Site Lead

Technical Program Director and Site Lead

Arcfield

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
Arcfield is seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Technical Program Director with deep expertise in nuclear weapons programs to support our U.S. Navy customer, Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), in Washington, D.C. This role also serves as Site Director of our Maritime Plaza office, a pivotal leadership position within Arcfield.
This individual will lead a team of highly skilled engineers tasked with delivering critical support for weapon system design, qualification, production, and deployment. They will provide strategic technical oversight, drive engineering excellence, and ensure alignment with program goals. In addition to their technical leadership, the individual will manage facility operations, ensuring compliance, security, and operational efficiency. They will also play a critical role in advancing Arcfield's growth initiatives, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration to meet organizational objectives.
This role is based at Arcfield's Maritime Plaza Office, located across the street from the Washington Navy Yard, offering proximity to the Nation's Capital and convenient access to public transportation. Candidates can expect up to 25% travel.
What you will do:
  • Serve as the Primary Liaison: Act as the key point of contact between Arcfield and our Navy SSP customer, addressing program-related technical issues and ensuring effective communication.
  • Direct Engineering Efforts: Lead and oversee the work of engineers and analysts supporting multiple major nuclear weapons development programs, ensuring program objectives are met with excellence.
  • Facility and Infrastructure Management: Oversee facility management responsibilities at the Maritime Plaza facility, including security compliance, IT infrastructure maintenance, and operational efficiency.
  • Program Execution and Oversight: Manage the execution of multiple Navy RDT&E (Research, Development, Test & Evaluation) and WPN (Weapons Procurement , Navy) efforts in support of Navy SSP initiatives.
  • CDRL Management: Draft, review, and approve Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items for timely and accurate delivery to the customer.
  • System Modification Coordination: Evaluate the status of deployed system modifications and coordinate efforts for Navy acceptance of those modifications.
  • Technical Assessments: Lead assessments of Arcfield's RDT&E initiatives to support life-extension programs, alterations, and the development of advanced weapon systems.
  • Provide Technical Advice: Offer guidance and expert technical advice on engineering and program matters as requested by Navy SSP.
  • Collaborate with External Stakeholders: Coordinate effectively with the Navy, NNSA, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and mission success.
  • System Design and Test Reviews: Serve as a panel member for system design and flight test reviews, providing critical insights and recommendations as needed.
  • Support Strategic Growth Initiatives: Contribute to Arcfield's expansion efforts, particularly in support of Department of War (DOW) opportunities, by identifying and driving growth initiatives.

Qualifications
You would be a great fit if:
  • Educational Background: Bachelor's degree with 16-18 years of experience, Master's degree with 14+ years of experience, or PhD with 10+ years of experience in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or a related technical field.
  • Security Clearance: Currently possess and maintain an active DoD Top-Secret Clearance, ensuring eligibility for handling sensitive and classified information.
  • Extensive Experience: Over 20 years of expertise in the design, development, and production of nuclear weapons, with a deep understanding of program requirements and technical challenges.
  • Exceptional Skills: Demonstrated excellence in organization, writing, and communication, with the ability to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Leadership Expertise: Proven experience in leading large teams of technical professionals, fostering collaboration and driving successful outcomes.
  • Contract Management Proficiency: Skilled in managing contract deliverables, documentation, and compliance, ensuring timely and accurate delivery to stakeholders.
  • Strong Professional Relationships: Experienced in maintaining positive, productive working relationships with team members, customers, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

You would be an even better fit if you:
  • Expertise in Nuclear Weapons Life-Cycle Activities: Extensive experience with joint DoD-DOE nuclear weapons life-cycle processes, including detailed knowledge of the Phase X and Phase 6.X processes.
  • Navy SSP Experience: Direct experience working with Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), either as a military service member or government civilian, providing valuable insights into program operations and requirements.
  • DOE Q Clearance: Hold an active DOE Q Clearance, ensuring eligibility to access to classified Department of Energy information

Equal Pay Act
This is the projected compensation range for this position. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, Arcfield invests in its employees beyond just compensation. Arcfield 's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections. Min: $176,082.34 Max: $306,173.02
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment as protected by law.

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