Program Manager – Assessments, Prototypes, and Experimentation (APEX) - Secret

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Job Description:

Parsons is seeking an exceptionally qualified Program Manager – APEX to join our team! In this role, you will serve as the primary interface between Government leadership, military stakeholders, industry partners, and technical teams, managing multiple prototype efforts from concept through experimentation, demonstration, transition, and final reporting. You will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects that advance national security and defense modernization.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Serve as the Program Manager responsible for execution of assigned APEX initiatives supporting Office of the Secretary of War Research & Engineering (OSW R&E) priorities.

• Lead planning and execution of developmental testing, operational experimentation, technology demonstrations, prototype evaluations, and capability assessments.

• Develop and manage integrated master schedules, execution plans, milestones, budgets, and deliverables.

• Coordinate experimentation campaigns involving Government laboratories, military organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), academia, industry partners, and consortium members.

• Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), technical interchange meetings, and executive program reviews.

• Manage technical, schedule, cost, and performance risk throughout program execution.

• Coordinate all aspects of experimentation event planning, execution, logistics, instrumentation, data collection, and reporting.

• Support experimentation and assessment of emerging technologies, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)

  • Autonomous Systems

  • Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS)

  • Electronic Warfare

  • Space Systems

  • Cyber Capabilities

  • Advanced Sensors

  • Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Effects

  • Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (C5ISRT)

  • Multi-Domain Operations

• Develop test objectives, evaluation criteria, Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), Measures of Performance (MOPs), and success metrics.

• Coordinate collection, analysis, and presentation of test data to support senior leadership decision-making.

• Prepare executive briefings, white papers, decision memoranda, and technical reports.

• Support rapid prototyping, experimentation, technology transition, and fielding initiatives executed through flexible acquisition pathways, including Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements where applicable.

• Ensure quality, accuracy, and timely delivery of all program documentation and Government deliverables.

• Travel (10–25%) to Government laboratories, military installations, and experimentation events as required.

Required Clearance:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Must possess an active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Program Management, Military Operations, or related technical discipline.

• Minimum 12 years of progressively responsible Department of Defense (DoD) experience.

• Minimum 8 years managing complex Test & Evaluation, Research & Development, or prototype programs.

• Demonstrated experience supporting DoD Research & Engineering, rapid prototyping, technology development, experimentation, or advanced capability initiatives.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary Government and contractor teams.

• Strong understanding of:

  • DoD Test & Evaluation methodologies

  • Developmental Test (DT)

  • Operational Test (OT)

  • Prototype Development

  • Design of Experiments (DOE)

  • Systems Engineering

  • Risk Management

  • Technology Transition

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent programs in dynamic environments.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Business Administration, or related discipline.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) or Defense Acquisition Credential certification.

• Experience supporting:

  • Office of the Secretary of War (Research & Engineering)

  • Office of the Secretary of Defense

  • Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

  • Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO)

  • Service Research Laboratories

  • Combatant Commands

  • Joint Staff

• Experience executing prototype efforts utilizing Other Transaction Authority (OTA).

• Experience supporting Joint experimentation campaigns.

• Active Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.​

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.

Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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