Principal Program Manager

Principal Program Manager

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security requirements. Our particular focus areas include airborne/spaceborne/surface-based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. To support these missions, the Division's efforts span multiple technical areas, including RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, systems analysis, and real-time embedded processor implementation.

The Algorithms, Processing and Experimentation (APEX) Group specializes in development of RF/radar modes, skills and applications, with particular emphasis on advanced signal processing chains and associated algorithm research. We mature these technologies with the objective of implementation, integration, and eventual utility in RF-based systems, typically tailoring our work for highly specific Defense (e.g., Air Force, Space Force, Navy, DARPA, etc.) and Intelligence Community needs.

The APEX Group is seeking an experienced Program Manager, ideally with a background in RF sensing systems, system integration, advanced engineering, and operational employment. Especially important in this role will be your ability to apply this broad experience to initiate and manage a portfolio of programs within an emerging acquisition environment that is increasingly focused on speed, impact and agility. This position requires competency in leading and managing geographically dispersed multi-disciplinary teams, briefing customers, engaging with senior leadership, cultivating positive, collaborative, and productive work environments, and a strong proficiency in all aspects of program management and system integration.

What you will do:

• Build and maintain a portfolio of programs focused on mode development and integration with RF sensing systems
• Effectively manage multiple programs, balancing cost, schedule and technical program requirements and tracking associated metrics
• Oversee and lead proposal writing and capture efforts, ensuring high-quality submissions by fostering team building across business competencies and disciplined adherence to proposal processes.
• Develop strategies to bring mode work to new customers in government and industry while protecting intellectual property.
• Create statements of work for subcontractors and oversee their ongoing efforts to ensure proper execution
• Provide regular program briefs to Group and Division Leadership
• Create and maintain an environment that fosters collaboration by giving clear direction and constructive feedback to the team
• Monitor progress against goals: anticipate risks, resolve issues, and initiate corrective actions as appropriate
• Provide operational expertise and guidance to program teams to achieve challenging technical objectives

Who you are:

• Active Security Clearance at the Secret level, and eligible to support special access programs, for which U.S citizenship is needed by U.S government
• BS, MS, or PhD degree in engineering, science, technical management, or a related field, with minimum of 5-10 years of relevant experience, depending on degree
• Program Manager or Control Account Manager experience in a design and development and/or build contract including Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) definition, schedule generation, financial analysis/reporting, and resource management
• Experience in Proposal Management including planning and cost estimation
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Successful experience in mentoring, leading, and managing multidisciplinary teams
• Strong presentation and organizational skills

Even Better:

• Current TS/SSBI with SCI and ability to gain and hold SCI/SAP accreditations
• Experience with advanced RF system concepts, signal processing, open architectures, and systems integration
• Experience managing projects larger than $5M for the Department of Defense
• Experience in non-traditional defense acquisition efforts, such as small-business and rapid acquisition
• Work Experience in government, FFRDC, or defense industry companies and sponsors
• Experience in Software Development
• Experience in protection of Intellectual Property, especially for software products
• Financial and business operations experience
• Risk and Opportunity Management experience
• Experience managing Research and Development programs
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications including but not limited to MS Project, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Full-Time Salary Range: $188,000 - $250,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at View email address on click.appcast.io and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.