Research Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Research Program Manager

Research Program Manager - Component-Level Operational Decision Advantage (CODA)

The Research Program Manager leads execution of a multidisciplinary applied research program supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Air Mobility Command (AMC) to improve organizational performance and operational decision-making. This position integrates personnel, resources, and stakeholders to deliver operational value while meeting contract objectives.

Work is primarily performed on-site at AMC Headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, with limited telework based on mission requirements.

Company Overview

C5T Corporation is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Founded in 2005 by three veterans, C5T values practical, innovative-minded professionals with a passion for mission success. We specialize in bridging the gap between operational and technical domains to solve complex Department of Defense (DoD) challenges.

Core Values: Integrity • Excellence • Patriotism

Position Summary

C5T is seeking an experienced Program Manager to provide overall leadership for execution of the Component-Level Operational Decision Advantage (CODA) research contract supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Mobility Command.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Research Program Manager leads program execution by integrating personnel, resources, and stakeholder engagement to achieve contract objectives.

CODA is an applied research program that improves organizational performance and decision-making through close collaboration with operational stakeholders and iterative capability development. Success in this role requires balancing disciplined program management with a collaborative, customer-focused approach that translates research into meaningful operational outcomes.

Location: Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Work will primarily take place in government workspaces, with some time in company offices and limited telework based on mission requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the CODA research program in accordance with contract requirements, approved research plans, and customer priorities.
• Manage program cost, schedule, risks, and deliverables to ensure successful contract performance.
• Coordinate planning, workload balancing, and resource allocation to ensure efficient execution and achievement of program objectives.
• Serve as C5T's primary representative to AFRL, AMC Headquarters, and other government stakeholders, building trusted relationships that support program success.
• Facilitate recurring meetings, workshops, demonstrations, and technical exchanges that promote collaboration, informed decision-making, and iterative capability development.
• Anticipate customer needs, identify emerging opportunities and risks, and recommend adjustments that improve mission outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Provide program status, executive briefings, and recommendations to government and company leadership.
• Integrate the efforts of researchers, analysts, operational subject matter experts, and technical personnel to produce cohesive research products and operational capabilities.
• Partner with the Principal Investigator to align research activities with project objectives while preserving scientific integrity.
• Translate operational challenges, stakeholder feedback, and lessons learned into research priorities and capability improvements.
• Support organizational performance capability development and refinement within AMC's Digital Transformation environment.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and organizational adoption of research findings and emerging capabilities.
• Supervise assigned personnel through performance management, coaching, and mentoring while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, staffing, professional development, and succession planning in collaboration with company leadership.
• Ensure compliance with company and contract requirements, standards, and policies.
• Support contract planning, financial management, labor forecasting, and staffing.
• Assist company leadership in identifying follow-on research opportunities and supporting proposal development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, management, organizational psychology, operations research, computer science, business administration, military science, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience leading DoD programs, research efforts, or operational initiatives.
• 5+ years of experience managing complex government projects.
• Military experience supporting operational headquarters, air mobility operations, operational planning, command and control, or related DOD mission areas
• Experience supporting Air Mobility Command or USTRANSCOM
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams across technical and operational disciplines.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, staffing, and risk.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with senior military officers, government civilians, and contractor teammates.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing DoD research and development programs.
• Experience supporting DoD Digital Transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry, Envision, data analytics platforms, or decision-support technologies.
• Familiarity with performance improvement or change management methodologies.
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental benefits including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 paid holidays annually
• Responsible Paid Time Off aligned with mission needs

Equal Opportunity Statement

C5T is a merit-based employer committed to affirmative action and nondiscrimination for all qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 and VEVRAA.