Lead Program Manager

Lead Program Manager
About the Team
The Mission Applications (MA) Group within the AC2 Division creates outsized mission impact with our customers through specialized application and deployment of STR technology. Staff within the MA group have a deep understanding of missions and technology needs for national security with skills targeting transition of technology to operational use, including product management, UX Product implementation, software integration & mission engineering, platform engineering, DevOps, and program management. MA staff combine with other science and engineering staff from the various STR research and development groups to form dedicated product teams focused on accelerating the operational transition of cutting-edge software technologies.
The Role:
As a Program Manager (PM) in the Mission Applications Group, we are looking for a leader who is passionate about collaborative problem solving and working on the hardest national security problems. The PM will manage a portfolio of programs specifically focused on delivering operational prototypes to motivated customers. This work includes managing all program phases, from marketing to proposal development, from contract initiation to execution, and from program close-out to transition. The PM will also support business operations across the portfolio to enable successful execution. The PM will likely play critical roles in supporting multiple efforts in the Analytics and C2 Division and potentially in other Divisions in STR.
This includes:
Work with our government customers and multi-contractor technical teams to identify mission requirements and prioritize technical development
Tracking the program schedule and milestones, coordinating with the STR business operations teams, communicating with our customers, and tracking program performance and risk
Support timely, successful deliveries of products to the customer and routinely collaborate across multi-disciplined teams to support STR technical leads and other key stakeholders
Working with the product manager, technical staff, mission engineers, subcontractors, and support personnel to identify and address risks and issues
Gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing data from multiple sources, such as project reports, project staff, and customer feedback to understand and communicate status and to identify trends
Interacting with external program customers and internal company leadership
Managing scientists, engineers, and technicians across broad areas of expertise
Achieving cost, schedule, and customer objectives on operational programs
Working in a fast-paced environment to enable successful contract execution
Building strong customer relationships and establishing open lines of communication
This role will take advantage of STR’s flexible, hybrid environment – when the work does not require use of STR’s facilities, you are welcome to work remotely.
Who You Are:
Program Management experience, military experience, or similar background with the Department of Defense or Intelligence Community
Experience in managing technical projects, developing tasks/sub-tasks, identifying & tracking program risk
Motivated collaborator comfortable communicating to both technical and non-technical audiences
History of interacting with decision-makers and customers to translate mission needs into end-to-end analytical solutions
A U.S. citizen and have ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance with SCI Eligibility
Located near STR office in Carlsbad, CA, Arlington, VA, Woburn, MA, or Denver, CO
Even Better:
Prior experience in a leadership role of a technical program for the Department of Defense or Intelligence Community
Experience working and collaborating on multi-disciplinary teams, including leading technical teams and mentoring less experienced staff
Knowledge of software development best practices and tools
Experience spanning all project phases, from ideation to technology research and product development
Working knowledge of DoD or IC mission and acquisition processes
Technical breadth and a demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, technically diverse programs and teams.
Entrepreneurial spirit and eager to engage in technical marketing and business development
Located near STR office in Carlsbad, CA
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $168,000 - $205,000
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.