Senior Program Manager

SAIC

. Lead full-lifecycle execution of autonomous systems programs, including schedule management, acquisition strategy, contracting, resource allocation, and budget oversight .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading full-lifecycle execution of autonomous systems programs, including program management, budget oversight, and compliance with DoD acquisition processes. Proven ability to build relationships with government customers and identify new business opportunities within defense sectors.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program ManagementDoD Acquisition ProcessCustomer EngagementAutonomous Systems ExperienceCross-Functional Team Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Schedule ManagementBudget OversightCost Variance AnalysisRisk IdentificationSystems EngineeringIntegration TestingCost ModelingReliability AnalysisSustainment StrategiesBusiness Development

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingStrategic PartnershipMentoringCommunicationProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

AI/ML ApplicationsISR SystemsUAVsUUVsASVsIntegrated FiresReal-Time Spectrum OperationsMission Engineering

Certifications & Qualifications

PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)SAFe/Agile CertificationActive Secret ClearanceTS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

DoD ProgramsNavyMarine CorpsArmyAir ForceDefense AgenciesNIWC PacificNIWC AtlanticDARPAONR

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMPTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead full-lifecycle execution of autonomous systems programs, including schedule management, acquisition strategy, contracting, resource allocation, and budget oversight
Drive program performance on time, on budget, and aligned with customer mission objectives
Develop and maintain program baselines, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions
Ensure contract deliverables are submitted on time and meet quality standards
Lead corporate financial and technical program reviews and escalate challenges to SAIC leadership
Develop program processes, procedures, and tools for efficient, repeatable execution
Serve as trusted advisor and strategic partner to government customers
Identify customer capability gaps and translate opportunities into business development strategies
Develop strategic business development plans for account expansion, recompete, and new business growth
Identify potential buying agents, sponsors, and opportunities across Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and defense agencies
Build relationships across the DoD autonomous systems community
Oversee development, integration, testing, and fielding across maritime, undersea, air, ground, and space domains
Provide technical leadership across systems engineering, integration, test and evaluation, and sustainment
Support validation of analytical models, novel technology applications, and operational employment concepts
Integrate autonomous systems into ISR, integrated fires, and non-kinetic warfare architectures
Monitor emerging autonomous systems and AI/ML trends
Build, lead, and mentor cross-functional teams including subcontractors, suppliers, and task leads
Coordinate communication among government sponsors, SAIC functions, and industry partners
Resolve personnel and program issues with SAIC leadership, HR, and Program Oversight
Provide input on performance reviews, compensation actions, staffing, and hiring decisions
Participate in screening and interviewing candidates
Identify program risks, cost drivers, and mitigation strategies
Ensure compliance with quality standards, acquisition regulations, and government reporting requirements
Apply cost modeling, reliability analysis, and sustainment strategies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and 18 or more years of related experience; Master's degree and 16 or more years; or PhD/JD and 13 or more years of related experience
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must hold an Active Secret clearance at time of start
Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI after start
PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or equivalent education and experience
SAFe/Agile certification
Demonstrated experience managing DoD programs, preferably Navy, joint, or multi-service autonomous systems programs
Proven customer engagement and relationship-building experience within a government R&D or acquisition environment
Experience with autonomous systems programs across maritime, undersea, air, ground, or space unmanned systems
Working knowledge of systems-of-systems and family-of-systems integration for complex defense programs
Experience with cost-reimbursable contract management, risk identification, cost variance analysis, and corrective action planning
Demonstrated ability to identify and develop new business opportunities within government accounts and adjacent customers
Experience managing large, cross-functional program teams with subcontractors and multiple task leads
Strong understanding of the DoD acquisition process, including rapid acquisition and prototyping pathways
Desired: experience with NIWC Pacific, NIWC Atlantic, or other Naval Information Warfare Centers
Desired: familiarity with UUVs, ASVs, UAS, remotely operated ground or amphibious systems, AI/ML applications, ISR systems, DARPA/ONR/OSD structures, Navy PEOs, EMW, Integrated Fires, Real-Time Spectrum Operations, mission engineering, space-based systems, and strategic transformation initiatives

Benefits

Comp & perks

Travel up to 25% of the time is required
SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer