Program Manager

Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc.

. Support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors .

Posted 10/3/2026full-timeColorado Springs • Colorado • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $80,000 - $115,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong program management capabilities with a focus on R&D activities, ensuring timely execution of milestones and deliverables while maintaining effective communication with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. Possesses expertise in managing budgets, schedules, and technical requirements within the DoD contracting environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program Management ExperienceDoD Government ContractingProject Management Professional (PMP) CertificationCostpoint Accounting SystemsStrong Leadership Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ManagementSystems EngineeringIntegration PlansTest MethodologiesTechnical Proposal PreparationBudget ManagementSchedule ManagementCustomer Requirement CommunicationTime ManagementProblem-Solving

Soft Skills

Strong Oral Communication SkillsStrong Written Communication SkillsFlexibilityTeam CollaborationCustomer Issue Resolution

Tools & Technologies

MS WordMS PowerPointMS ExcelMS ProjectCostpoint Accounting SystemsProPricer

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Top-Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

DoDDoEFARDFARSR&DHPEMGovernment ContractingProgram MilestonesTechnical OversightMultidisciplinary Teams

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors
Directly manage multiple R&D HPEM programs in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment
Oversee cost, schedule, and tasking for multiple programs
Act as liaison between customers, technical leads, and engineering teams
Provide oversight and leadership to multidisciplinary teams across HPEM departments
Ensure timely execution of program milestones and deliverables
Communicate program directions and objectives to technicians, engineers, and scientists
Keep program execution focused on customer requirements and communicate requirement updates
Interface with SARA Division Directors to implement technical and managerial visions
Maintain regular communications with customers and partners
Implement requested scope changes and additions with technical leads
Resolve customer issues with teams and technical leads
Create and provide financial and technical program status updates and briefings to senior personnel and customers
Prepare technical proposals containing technical volumes, system requirements, schedules/milestones, budgets, assumptions, and risks
Provide input for internal R&D strategic planning, business opportunities, and company growth
Keep junior engineers aligned with the program mission
Build and deliver end-user products, provide training and logistics support, and ensure product reliability and availability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering or project field
2–4 years of program management experience
Flexibility to work as part of a diverse team that is located both remotely and on-site
Strong oral and written communication skills
Intermediate-level expertise with MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project
Proven time-management skills
Ability to thrive in a rapidly changing, deadline-driven environment
US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret security clearance
May require light physical effort, including standing, sitting, use of hands, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred: 5–7 years of program management experience (or Master’s degree in relevant field in lieu of additional experience)
Preferred: 2 years in DoD government contracting
Preferred: Active Top-Secret security clearance
Preferred: Strong leadership skills
Preferred: Problem-solving skills with a background in systems engineering and integration efforts, including system/subsystem requirements, integration plans, and test methodologies
Preferred: Experience with Costpoint accounting systems
Preferred: Experience with government contract pricing software such as ProPricer
Preferred: Ability to travel up to 10% of the year
Preferred: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Preferred: Knowledge of FAR and DFARS

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
Other supplemental programs
Generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
Tuition & certification reimbursement
Flexible work schedules
Discretionary Employee bonuses
401(k) match/profit sharing
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)