Program Manager

Athenix Solutions Group is seeking a leader with Program Management experience to fulfill a Principal Investigator (PI) role to lead a cutting-edge research and development initiative for Cyber Training & Curriculum, supporting U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). This position will spearhead innovation in cyber training, education technologies, and curriculum design and development, with a focus on building scalable, operationally relevant learning solutions that enhance cyber mission readiness.

As the PI, you'll guide a cross-disciplinary technical team, work closely with Program Managers and government stakeholders, and drive applied research through the full program lifecycle-from concept through prototyping, testing, and transition.

Responsibilities :

• Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert focused on next-gen cyber training and adaptive curriculum development.
• Oversee the design, development, test and evaluation of Defensive Cyber Operations software and hardware solutions, learning tools, immersive simulations, and data-informed curriculum strategies aligned to Cyber Command mission requirements.
• Translate warfighter training gaps into research objectives and technical roadmaps.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team including cyber SMEs, instructional designers, AI/ML engineers, and software developers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure program alignment and potential technology transition pathways.
• Manage deliverables, technical documentation, certification standards and reporting requirements per contract standards.
• Prepare and present briefings PMs, sponsors, and other executive audiences.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, IRB protocols, security classification guidelines, and export control laws.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship and active TS/SCI clearance
• Ph.D. in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Learning Technologies, or a related discipline; or Master's with equivalent research and technical leadership experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience leading DoD-funded R&D efforts; 3+ years as PI or co-PI on advanced research programs
• Deep understanding of cyber operations, cyber force training pipelines, and mission-driven instructional design delivery and certification.
• Demonstrated experience integrating emerging technologies (AI/ML, simulation, immersive media, etc.) into learning and training systems.
• Strong background in government contracting, program execution, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Outstanding communication, leadership, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with cyber ranges, cyber exercise planning, and DoD training environments.
• Experience with USCC DCO missions and tools
• Working knowledge of learning data standards (e.g., SCORM, APE), training management systems, or education-focused analytics tools.
• Background supporting or working within Intel agencies and other cyber mission forces.

Athenix is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or veteran status.