Technical Program Manager

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development, with headquarters in McLean, VA. Our range of clients include innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting edge tech stack, and cloud native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

About the role: 

As a Technical Program Manager, you will take complete ownership of program health—balancing execution, strategy, and relationship management to drive mission success. You will be responsible for leading a fast-moving development team, ensuring contract deliverables are met while navigating evolving priorities and customer needs. This role requires someone who thrives in ambiguity, is comfortable wearing multiple hats across program, project, and product management, and can effectively bridge the gap between technical teams and customer stakeholders.
Your day will be a dynamic mix of engaging directly with DoD stakeholders to build deep customer relationships, understanding evolving mission requirements, and translating customer needs into actionable team priorities. You will serve as the primary liaison between customers and development teams, managing stakeholder expectations while ensuring program objectives are met. Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with senior military and government personnel are essential to your success in this role.

This is not a narrowly defined or rigid role; instead, it requires someone who is adaptable, proactive, and ready to take ownership of all aspects of program execution.

What we are looking for:

• 5+ years of experience in program, project, or product management with exposure to Agile development methodologies
• Experience working with DoD customers, ideally in the Pacific theater or within US Navy operations
• Strong background and expertise in CJADC2 (Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control)
• Proven track record of leading RFI/RFP responses and driving strategic business
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and drive clarity where needed
• Proven leadership in development teams, ensuring execution and alignment with customer needs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience engaging with senior DoD stakeholders
• Ability to balance execution and strategy, ensuring both day-to-day success and long-term growth

Highly preferred:

• STEM degree or equivalent technical acumen—must be able to understand and communicate technical concepts
• Familiarity with ATO and RMF processes
• Prior experience supporting FFRDC operations delivering research solutions for federal agencies and ensuring compliance with government acquisition requirements

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Top Secret security clearance with ability to obtain and maintain SCI eligibility 

Work Type:

• Onsite in San Diego, CA
• May require up to 25% travel

Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $200,000.00

• The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

What we will offer you:  

• Highly competitive salary 
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage 
• 401(k) and company match 
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays 
• Education & training benefits 
• Generous Referral Bonuses 
• And More!

Our Vision Statement:  

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission.

Our Customer Obsession:

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there?

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm.

Raft’s core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our “nadi” by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.

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