Research Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Program Manager – Component-Level Operational Decision Advantage (CODA) Contract

The Program Manager leads execution of a multidisciplinary R&D contract supporting Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to improve organizational performance and operational decision-making. This position integrates personnel, resources, and stakeholders to deliver operational value while meeting contract objectives.

Work is primarily performed on-site at AMC Headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, with limited telework based on mission requirements.

Company Overview

C5T Corporation is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Founded in 2005 by three veterans, C5T values practical, innovative-minded professionals with a passion for mission success. We specialize in bridging the gap between operational and technical domains to solve complex Department of Defense (DoD) challenges.

Core Values: Integrity • Excellence • Patriotism

Position Summary

C5T is seeking an experienced Program Manager to provide overall leadership for execution of the Component-Level Operational Decision Advantage (CODA) contract supporting Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Research Program Manager leads program execution by integrating personnel, resources, and stakeholder engagement to achieve contract objectives.

The CODA contract is an applied research program that improves organizational performance and decision-making through close collaboration with operational stakeholders and iterative capability development. Success in this role requires balancing disciplined program management with a collaborative, customer-focused approach that translates operational expertise and research into meaningful operational outcomes.

Location: Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Work will primarily take place in government workspaces, with some time in company offices and limited telework based on mission requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead CODA contract planning and execution in accordance with contractual requirements, approved research plans, customer priorities, and company policies and standards.
• Represent C5T to AMC Headquarters, AFRL, and other government stakeholders, building trusted relationships and facilitating meetings, workshops, demonstrations, and technical exchanges.
• Serve as the CODA team "lead consultant" defining and conducting interventions to improve customer organizational performance and decision-making.
• Manage program performance and resources, including cost, schedule, risks, deliverables, financial management, labor forecasting, and workload balancing.
• Integrate efforts of researchers, analysts, operational subject matter experts, and technical personnel to produce cohesive research products and operational capabilities.
• Partner with the Principal Investigator to align research with project objectives, preserve scientific integrity, and translate emerging customer needs, operational challenges, stakeholder feedback, and lessons learned into research priorities and capability improvements.
• Facilitate organizational adoption of research findings and emerging capabilities through stakeholder involvement, communication, and implementation support.
• Provide program status, executive briefings, and recommendations to government and company leadership, highlighting performance, risks, and decisions requiring leadership attention.
• Supervise and develop assigned personnel through performance management, coaching, and mentoring; collaborate with company leadership on recruiting, onboarding, professional development, and succession planning.
• Support follow-on research and proposal development by identifying opportunities and contributing operational insight and program experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, management, organizational psychology, operations research, computer science, business administration, military science, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience leading DoD programs, research efforts, or operational initiatives.
• 5+ years of experience managing complex government projects.
• Military experience supporting operational headquarters, air mobility operations, operational planning, command and control, or related DOD mission areas
• Experience supporting Air Mobility Command or USTRANSCOM
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams across technical and operational disciplines.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, staffing, and risk.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with senior military officers, government civilians, and contractor teammates.
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience managing DoD research and development programs.
• Experience supporting DoD Digital Transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with Palantir Foundry, Envision, data analytics platforms, or decision-support technologies.
• Familiarity with performance improvement or change management methodologies.
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental benefits including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 paid holidays annually
• Responsible Paid Time Off aligned with mission needs

Equal Opportunity Statement

C5T is a merit-based employer committed to affirmative action and nondiscrimination for all qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, in accordance with Section 503 and VEVRAA.