Deputy Program Manager (TS/SCI Clearance Required)

Deputy Program Manager (TS/SCI Clearance Required) Washington, DC About DEFCON AI DEFCON AI is an insights company that uses artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering to provide resilient optimization of complex systems. About the Role We are seeking a Deputy Program Manager to lead execution of a large, software‑intensive, AI‑enabled Department of Defense program that is transitioning from prototype into sustained operational use. The role operates primarily from the Washington, DC area and requires willingness to attend frequent in‑person meetings with government and industry partners. Key Responsibilities Own day‑to‑day execution across multiple software and data‑centric workstreams. Translate capability goals into executable plans that support incremental, learning‑driven delivery. Track tasking, dependencies, delivery status, and issue resolution across engineering and AI teams. Identify and remove blockers before they affect delivery, credibility, or user trust. Operate within DoD software acquisition pathways, pushing toward modern, software‑first outcomes. Apply pragmatic, outcome‑oriented acquisition thinking suited to fast‑evolving AI systems. Shape delivery strategies that balance speed versus rigor, experimentation versus operational reliability, and innovation versus scalability. Push back on legacy, document‑heavy, waterfall approaches that slow real delivery. Support Agile and Hybrid delivery environments for AI‑driven systems. Assist with sprint planning, release planning, backlog prioritization, and iterative capability drops. Ensure Agile practices enable learning, adaptation, and delivery, not process theater. Help teams manage AI development realities such as model iteration, data dependency, and evolving performance metrics. Partner effectively with engineers and data scientists on programs built on optimization engines, analytics pipelines, AI/ML models, and data‑driven workflows. Maintain full situational awareness of scope, schedule, risks, dependencies, and stakeholders as a deputy/acting Program Manager. Step in for the Program Manager during internal and external meetings, making time‑sensitive decisions and communicating clearly with senior government and industry leaders. Proactively identify, manage, and surface program risks—including technical, data, integration, and delivery risks—and maintain RAID logs and decision records. Drive decisions rather than deferring them. Required Qualifications 7+ years of managing or leading software‑intensive DoD programs. Experience as a Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager. Active TS/SCI Security Clearance. Residency in the Washington DC area and willingness to attend frequent in‑person meetings (30‑40%). Hands‑on experience with Agile or Hybrid software delivery frameworks. Experience working on programs that involve advanced analytics, AI/ML, optimization, or data‑driven systems. Experience delivering software that supports real operational users, exercises, or deployments. Strong bias toward execution, learning, and delivery. Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast‑evolving problem spaces. Ability to make decisions with incomplete information. Ability to influence without authority across highly technical teams. Preferred Qualifications Experience transitioning AI‑enabled or data‑centric systems from prototype to operational scale. Familiarity with DevSecOps, cloud‑native architectures, or secure data pipelines. Salary Range $175,000–215,000 What We Offer A fully remote, results‑based environment. Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package. Full employer‑paid, comprehensive health insurance for you and your family. Unlimited paid time off, with manager approval. Flexible work environment where you manage your work day. 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr DEFCON