Senior DoD Program Manager Rapid Defense Solutions

Company Description Dcode is a team of doers dedicated to bridging the gap between the speed of technology and the federal government. We align people, culture, policies, and processes to get tech in the hands of those who need it most. Operating at the nexus of government leaders, emerging tech companies, and venture capital, we turn roadblocks into results. Role Summary We are seeking a mission-driven, results-oriented Senior Program Manager to lead the execution of high-priority initiatives for a defense sector client. In this role, you’ll help launch and operate a function that can rapidly identify needs, scout technologies, integrate solutions, and scale what works. This means building structure, workflows, and processes that overcome legacy constraints to ensure speed, precision, and measurable impact. You will be responsible for leading daily client engagements and navigating complex stakeholder relationships. Success in this role means navigating ambiguity, moving with urgency, and producing results that have a tangible mission impact. This role requires exceptional program leadership skills, knowledge of DoD acquisition and contracting pathways, and the ability to translate complex operational requirements into actionable strategies and repeatable processes. Salary range: $116,000- $152,000 plus bi-annual bonuses Top Secret clearance or higher is strongly preferred. Eligibility for clearance is required. Key Responsibilities Client & Mission Success Serve as a trusted partner to Army and DoW stakeholders operating within the corps and acquisition ecosystems. Support operational commands in identifying capability gaps and translating needs into actionable, rapid solutions. Help design and stand up agile operational structures that enable fast delivery and experimentation. Facilitate collaboration across multiple organizations. Lead workshops, write assessments, and convert complex operational and technical challenges into clear recommendations. Continuously collect feedback and refine delivery approaches to improve outcomes and user experience. Program Leadership & Delivery Lead the launch and sustained operation of a high-tempo capability that rapidly connects identified needs to fielded solutions. Manage day-to-day delivery for assigned workstream(s), producing high quality deliverables and measurable outcomes for your clients. Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, workflows, and performance metrics to evaluate progress toward objectives, ensuring Dcode’s support drives outsized mission and organizational value. Apply agile and Scrum methodologies to plan, execute, and adapt projects based on real-time feedback to ensure progress is visible and measurable in weeks, not months. Provide creative, novel perspectives and approaches to how the government operates in the areas of policy, acquisitions, finance, culture, and processes, in order to drive innovation and agility inside their missions. Serve as a trusted partner to senior defense leaders, providing clear, data-backed recommendations. Facilitate alignment across diverse stakeholder groups to ensure priorities, timelines, and objectives are synchronized. Work closely with technical contributors and Systems Developers to ensure requirements, timelines, and dependencies are aligned. Coordinate closely with Dcode leadership and Field Experts to bring the right expertise into projects at the right time. Support rapid prototyping and experimentation efforts tied to software-enabled capabilities. Technical Performance & Continuous Improvement Establish mission-relevant performance metrics and implement tracking mechanisms to assess progress and impact. Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and refining processes for future application. Monitor risks, resolve issues quickly, and adapt plans to changing operational realities. Manage resourcing to ensure profitability targets are met. Partner with Systems Developers and technical teams supporting technical capability efforts. Lead the planning and oversight of technical development and integration activities, including testing, deployment, and sustainment considerations. Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and software development best practices to inform planning and decision-making. Help ensure interoperability, security, and compliance with DoD/DoW regulations throughout delivery efforts. Lead documentation efforts, including requirements, design artifacts, user guidance, and lessons learned. Operational & Contract Management Understand and manage contract requirements to ensure compliance and effective delivery. Identify risks early and work with leadership to mitigate issues quickly. Capture lessons learned and recommended improvements to processes, tools, and workflows. Support efforts to remove policy, acquisition, and operational barriers to innovation. Implement solutions that make delivery more efficient and scalable. Skills and Experience Required Skills and Experience 7+ years of relevant work experience, including leadership of government-facing contracts in acquisition, technology integration, or operational support. Proven experience managing government contracts (DoD preferred), with strong understanding of contracting mechanisms such as OTAs, CSOs, and IDIQs. Strong familiarity with technology scouting, evaluation, and integration into complex environments. Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders and produce decision-ready materials. Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment and deliver results under pressure. Understanding and comfort with agile project management. You’ll Excel in This Role If You: Thrive in high-tempo, mission-driven environments. Can distill complex needs into focused, actionable initiatives. Balance strategic thinking with tactical execution. Proactively remove barriers and enable others to succeed. Equal Opportunity Statement We provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, or disability status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We believe diversity is a strength and aim to build an innovative and welcoming culture where people from all backgrounds feel respected and included. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has the tools, resources, and opportunities to excel. #J-18808-Ljbffr