Senior Project Manager

Summary

Senior Project Manager

Arlington, VA

The Senior Project Manager will lead the definition, implementation, and ongoing management of DARPA's Portfolio Optimization Framework. This role is responsible for operationalizing a shift from a reactive, people-dependent IT delivery model to a disciplined, process-driven, and metrics-based approach that embeds security, accountability, and mission value from inception through sustainment. The Senior Project Manager will oversee the implementation of the framework, ensuring it demonstrates measurable improvements in delivery speed, compliance posture, cost transparency, and mission outcomes. The role serves as the integrator between mission stakeholders, technical teams, security authorities, and leadership, translating strategy into executable plans and repeatable governance mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the Portfolio Optimization Framework, establishing standardized processes, governance structures, and delivery rhythms across DARPA IT initiatives.
• Define and enforce program-level controls that reduce fragmentation, eliminate siloed execution, and shift delivery from ad hoc engineering to governed workflows.
• Establish clear accountability models aligning mission value, cost, security, and delivery outcomes.
• Lead discovery activities including process assessments, application rationalization, and mission-value prioritization.
• Manage the development of a formal Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), comparing traditional development approaches with FedRAMP-authorized low-code/no-code platforms.
• Ensure decisions are evidence-based and aligned with DARPA's mission, risk tolerance, and long-term modernization objectives.
• Oversee transition into architecture approval and secure development activities.
• Ensure adoption of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), DevSecOps Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated security controls.
• Coordinate with cybersecurity and compliance stakeholders to enable continuous RMF evidence collection and reduce time to obtain Authority to Operate (ATO) and enable continuous authorization.
• Establish performance telemetry, including metrics, logs, and traces to provide real-time insight into system health, security posture, and mission outcomes.
• Lead quarterly mission value reviews that use data to drive prioritization, investment decisions, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure lessons learned are institutionalized into repeatable processes for future programs.
• Manage the transition from capital-intensive, on-premises investments to a cloud-enabled, consumption-based OpEx model.
• Align technical delivery with financial transparency, cost controls, and measurable return on mission value.
• Support leadership decision-making with clear reporting on cost, risk, performance, and outcomes.
• Serve as the primary interface with DARPA leadership, program managers, security authorities, and contractor teams.
• Develop and deliver executive-level briefings on progress, risks, tradeoffs, and performance metrics.
• Ensure consistent communication and alignment across technical, security, and mission stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ years of relevant leadership experience managing large, complex, mission-critical web-based IT systems development projects and programs
• PMP certification required
• Additional certifications in SAFe, ITIL, and related methodologies preferred
• Top Secret clearance required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated success leading large-scale IT modernization or transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of federal IT governance, RMF, ATO processes, and secure system delivery.
• Experience managing multi-phase programs involving discovery, architecture, development, and operational optimization.
• Proven ability to translate strategy and white-paper concepts into executable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with FedRAMP-authorized cloud and low-code/no-code platforms.
• Working knowledge of DevSecOps, Infrastructure as Code, and Zero Trust principles.
• Experience implementing metrics-driven portfolio or product management frameworks.

How you'll grow

At Chenega MIOS, our professional development plan focuses on helping our team members at every level of their careers to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there's always room to learn.

We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the global, fast-changing business world. From on-the-job learning experiences to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their careers.

Benefits

At Chenega MIOS, we know that great people make a great organization. We value our team members and offer them a broad range of benefits.

Learn more about what working at Chenega MIOS can mean for you.

Chenega MIOS's culture

Our positive and supportive culture encourages our team members to do their best work every day. We celebrate individuals by recognizing their uniqueness and offering them the flexibility to make daily choices that can help them be healthy, centered, confident, and aware. We offer well-being programs and continuously look for new ways to maintain a culture where we excel and lead healthy, happy lives.

Corporate citizenship

Chenega MIOS is led by a purpose to make an impact that matters. This purpose defines who we are and extends to relationships with our clients, our team members, and our communities. We believe that business has the power to inspire and transform. We focus on education, giving, skill-based volunteerism, and leadership to help drive positive social impact in our communities.

Learn more about Chenega's impact on the world.

Chenega MIOS News- https://chenegamios.com/news/

Tips from your Talent Acquisition Team

We want job seekers exploring opportunities at Chenega MIOS to feel prepared and confident. To help you with your research, we suggest you review the following links:

Chenega MIOS web site - www.chenegamios.com

Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Chenega-MIOS-EI_IE369514.11,23.htm

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/1472684/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/chenegamios/

Teleworking Permitted?

Yes
Teleworking Details

Telework 1-2 days per week on average