Chief of Staff

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration and well-being are integral to success. The Chief of Staff serves as the principal advisor and strategic partner to the Project Director for Project Alpha, supporting the full life cycle of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract at Camp East Montana (CEM) in El Paso, Texas. This role ensures operational excellence, drives cross-functional alignment, and oversees the integration of sustainment, business operations, and detention support functions. The Chief of Staff enables effective decision-making, ensures contract compliance, and supports the delivery of high-quality, mission-critical services. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Program Support Serve as the senior advisor to the Project Director, translating program priorities into coordinated operational action Provide executive oversight of operational activities to ensure contract deliverables are met with quality, efficiency, and timeliness Identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive resolutions to program challenges Pursue and support changes in contract scope and workload aligned with program objectives Operational Oversight Oversee task order leadership to ensure consistent performance and accountability Direct inspection, investigation, and reporting activities across all operational domains Ensure development and execution of operational plans, exercises, and contingency strategies Maintain coordination with ICE/DHS stakeholders to ensure mission readiness Policy, Planning, and Organizational Management Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance organizational effectiveness and compliance Manage confidential correspondence, reports, and executive communication Provide management guidance on resource utilization, workforce performance, and organizational culture Lead planning and facilitation of monthly meetings, special sessions, and executive briefings Human Capital & Readiness Oversee personnel readiness across accession, development, distribution, and sustainment Advise leadership on workforce planning and talent strategies Ensure mission staffing needs are assessed and met Maintain confidentiality in personnel and sensitive information Executive Communication & Reporting Deliver status reports, strategic assessments, and recommended solutions to senior leadership Present information effectively to internal teams and external stakeholders Maintain high customer satisfaction through proactive communication Decision-Making Authority Exercises delegated authority for operational decisions within approved program thresholds Provides direct guidance to cross-functional teams and task order leads Key Working Relationships Maintains partnerships with ICE/DHS officials, contract stakeholders, and site leadership Coordinates with HR, Finance, Legal, Security, and Operations departments Performance Metrics On-time completion of contract deliverables Operational compliance and audit outcomes Customer satisfaction and responsiveness Personnel readiness and staffing efficiency Core Competencies Strategic thinking and operational foresight Executive communication and stakeholder engagement Complex problem solving and risk management Organizational leadership and team coordination Crisis & Incident Response Provides leadership support during critical incidents, emergency operations, or contingency events Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in in a relevant discipline; two (2) years of experience in related field may be substituted for each year of the four (4) years of college. Fifteen (15) years of experience in a related technical or operational environment Experience with ICE, DHS, or similar federal contract operations Strong leadership and supervisory skills Excellent written and oral communication abilities Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently Demonstrated proficiency with business applications including Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint Work Environment & Physical Requirements Typical office environment with no unusual hazards. Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Regular computer use requiring visual and auditory attention. Requires sustained mental alertness, planning abilities, and adherence to deadlines. Must be able to access operational and hazard areas, including the wearing of PPE during oversight activities. Other Responsibilities Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams. Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities. Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to job. Compensation Details: TBD The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws. Benefits Overview: Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include: Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off and holidays Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching) Educational reimbursement Parental leave Employee stock purchase plan Tax-saving options Disability and life insurance Pet insurance Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits. Original Posting: 10/09/2026 - Until Filled Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs. Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters. #J-18808-Ljbffr