Program Manager at Owl Cyber Defense Columbia, MD

Program Manager job at Owl Cyber Defense. Columbia, MD. Job Title: Program Manager Department: Solutions Engineering Reports to: VP, Program Management Owl Cyber Defense is a leader and trusted partner in cyber security. We deliver solutions that protect and connect the world’s most critical networks. Owl’s product lines of cross domain, data diode, and portable media solutions provide the strongest available security checkpoints for threat prevention and secure data availability. Our in-depth expertise in security engineering at the operating system level enables us to help government and commercial customers meet ever‑evolving cyber security threats. Job Summary Owl Cyber Defense is seeking a highly motivated and hands‑on Program Manager with 10+ years of experience managing complex projects in software development, cybersecurity, or technology product manufacturing. The Program Manager is fully accountable for project success, ensuring timely execution, scope management, budget control, risk mitigation, and resource allocation. The ideal candidate must have strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving abilities, with experience in cross‑functional coordination, government contracting, and regulatory compliance. This role requires clear and professional communication, the ability to prioritize and escape issues when necessary, and a proactive approach to program execution. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Take full ownership of multiple concurrent programs and projects from initiation to completion. Develop and execute project plans, budgets, and schedules, ensuring alignment with business and technical objectives. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across technical, compliance, and operational areas, including cybersecurity, regulatory requirements, and program execution. Ensure contract compliance by interpreting and applying government and industry regulations, maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Provide resource management and allocation, optimizing team performance and efficiency. Serve as the primary liaison with internal stakeholders and external partners, including government Program Managers (PMs), Contracting Officers (CORs), and customer Points of Contact (POCs). Establish and enforce change control processes, ensuring proper documentation of project requirements and modifications. Proactively prioritize tasks and escape issues when necessary to maintain efficient workload management. Drive operational efficiency by implementing best practices in program and business process management. Lead status reporting, risk management, and stakeholder communication, providing regular updates to leadership. Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration between engineering, product, and business teams to ensure successful project execution. Align program objectives with business strategy, influencing decisions to enhance program success. Requirements/Qualifications Education & Certifications BS or BA in Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification strongly preferred. Experience 10+ years of experience in technical program or project management within software development, cybersecurity, or technology manufacturing. Hands‑on experience managing software development life cycle (SDLC) projects. Previous technical experience in software development, systems engineering, or cybersecurity operations is highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies Proven expertise in risk management, including identification, assessment, and mitigation of cybersecurity, regulatory, and operational risks. Working knowledge of SDLC and software project management. Familiarity with defense contracting and program management processes. Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to align program execution with business objectives. Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Project. Security Clearance Requirement Candidates must have an active US Government security clearance (Secret at a minimum; TS/SCI preferred). Work Location & Hybrid Work Policy Candidates must be local to the DC Metro area (Columbia, MD, DC, Northern Virginia). This role offers a hybrid work arrangement: 80% remote work (work from home). 20% in‑person presence at the Columbia, MD office and/or customer sites for key meetings and collaboration. About Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC is a fast‑growing cybersecurity solutions company, holding a firm leadership position in network security and secure information transfer. It is a privately‑owned US company with offices in Columbia, MD, Danbury, CT and Morrisville, NC. For more information, see . Owl Cyber Defense is an Equal Opportunity / Affinative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Owl Cyber Defense