Technical Program Manager

Join a Mission That Matters Torch.AI builds the government’s AI-native control layer —a foundational data and intelligence capability designed to give the United States enduring ownership over how knowledge is created, managed, and applied in mission-critical environments. Our vision is simple and profound: ensure the U.S.—not a vendor—operates its own AI infrastructure to make decisive, real-time operational decisions. We work at the center of national security, helping agencies transform data into actionable knowledge across domains including information advantage, ISR, joint effects, force protection, and mission support. If you’re driven to build technology that strengthens U.S. defense readiness and protects national interests, Torch.AI offers an opportunity to make meaningful impact at national scale. What It’s Like to Work Here Torch.AI operates at the intersection of advanced AI, secure systems, and real-world operations. We solve complex, high-stakes problems by building scalable, modular technology that reduces cognitive burden, improves mission performance, and delivers timely, reliable, predictive intelligence. Here, you’ll collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, data experts, veterans, and mission practitioners. You’ll have the autonomy to own meaningful work and the support of teammates who share context openly, challenge assumptions, and think creatively. Every day brings something different—early prototypes, production deployments, mission support, or scaling next-generation capabilities. We’re a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where curiosity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to national security drive everything we do. Role Overview This role blends program management , technical awareness , and deployment coordination for mission-critical AI and data platforms across classified and unclassified environments. You will drive cross-functional execution, ensure technical alignment between engineering and mission stakeholders, and support deployments into secure environments. While this role is not a software engineering position , the TPM must be able to: Understand system architectures and technical contract requirements Interpret requirements and support work management / delivery tasks Liaise between engineering teams and program leadership Support program task management and customer reporting The TPM does not build automation frameworks, own CI/CD pipelines, or function as a full-stack engineer. Responsibilities Program Management & Mission Execution Lead planning and execution of complex technical programs supporting DoD and Intelligence Community customers. Define scopes, requirements, milestones, and dependencies in coordination with product, engineering, security, and mission teams. Manage Agile ceremonies, epics, user stories, and backlog priorities—providing technical context to ensure accurate scoping and sequencing. Maintain detailed project roadmaps, risk registers, and communication plans to support mission outcomes. Serve as the primary customer-facing point of contact, delivering updates, facilitating coordination, and ensuring mission alignment. Maintain composure and sound judgment while operating in high-pressure, time-sensitive, and classified environments . Coordinate cross-functional teams to support customer onboarding, training, and platform adoption. Provide leadership and alignment across engineering disciplines, product managers, customer stakeholders, and security teams. Program Delivery & Deployment Coordination Oversee integration of Torch.AI capabilities into customer IT ecosystems, including JWICS, SIPR, NIPR , commercial cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP), and private networks. Note: work is done in coordination with engineering teams. Create and manage integrated master schedules, including documentation and ticketing Support and supervise deployments—not as the primary engineer, but as a hands-on technical coordinator capable of tracking and monitoring engineering tasks against a program schedule. Coordinate and support task execution, backlogs, and milestones. Ensure deployments meet security, compliance, and data-handling requirements for classified domains in coordination with security and compliance teams. Work closely with DevOps, data, and software teams to ensure environment readiness and technical compatibility. Review and validate technical deliverables against program requirements. Translate customer needs into actionable requirements and acceptance criteria for engineering teams. Defense & Security Alignment Operate in compliance with DoD and IC cybersecurity standards, including CUI handling, secure networking workflows, and domain-specific deployment constraints. Maintain strong situational awareness of defense mission operations and end-user needs. Collaborate with security teams to validate that deployment practices meet security, accreditation, and operational guidelines. What We Value Required Ability to obtain clearance with sponsorship. 6+ years in program management, systems engineering, solutions engineering, technical operations, or equivalent role supporting software systems. Demonstrated experience delivering complex technical projects in defense, intelligence, or high-security domains. Understanding of software development lifecycles, APIs, data workflows, cloud environments, and modern software practices. Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences. Experience supporting deployments, technical cutovers, or operational readiness events. High emotional intelligence, mission focus, and ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments. Nice to Have Active DoD security clearance. Direct experience working across classified and unclassified networks (JWICS/SIPR/NIPR). Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled systems, data platforms, or API-driven architectures. Experience with AI software platforms and data environments Certifications such as PMP, Scrum Master, SAFe, or DoD 8570/8140 qualifications. Security Clearance Some roles require an active Secret , Top Secret , or Top Secret/SCI clearance. If you do not currently hold an active clearance but believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to apply as sponsorship is also available. Work Location We hire for roles at our headquarters in Leawood, KS , and for hybrid/remote positions in the Arlington, VA, Washington, DC, and Maryland (DMV) region. Some roles may require limited travel ( Incentives Equity participation for all employees within the first 12 months Competitive salary + quarterly performance bonus Unlimited PTO + 11 paid company holidays High-growth, mission-driven environment with significant professional development opportunities Weekly in-office catering at HQ Benefits Torch.AI provides benefits that exceed regional and national benchmarks across multiple categories: 401(k) Torch.AI provides participating employees with the option to enroll in a company-sponsored plan. Currently, Torch.AI does not provide matching. Medical Three plan options: PPO, HSA, TRICARE Supplement HSA contributions significantly above regional norms Rare TRICARE Supplement offering (top ~18% of employers) Spending Accounts HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA with high employer contributions and rollover flexibility Dental Plans with annual maximums up to 2.6× the national average Vision VSP Choice network with above-market frame allowances Life Insurance Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1× salary (substantial above-market coverage) Disability & Illness Top 10% regional coverage for STD and LTD (both employer paid) Voluntary Benefits Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Commuter benefits up to $300/month (tax-free) Torch.AI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer . #J-18808-Ljbffr Torch.AI