Senior Project Manager & Systems Engineer

About Us:

VT-ARC, a technical services and applied research company, has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values: Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Service. Integral to our success is our staff�s enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done. We foster a culture where every employee�s contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment. VT-ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients and such achievement is recognized through service/merit awards. Moreover, we promote a sense of community larger than VT-ARC alone, where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country.

About You:

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Project Manager & Systems Engineer to lead and coordinate the technical aspects of a transformational network engineering program. This role combines project management expertise with systems engineering proficiency to ensure all components integrate seamlessly and meet design objectives. The Senior Project Manager & Systems Engineer will manage timelines, budgets, and resources while ensuring technical integrity and compliance with program requirements. This position reports to the program�s Senior Program Manager within VT-ARC's Engineering Test and Evaluation Division (ETED). (Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required)

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage the planning, execution, and delivery of network engineering projects within the program.
• Serve as the lead for systems integration, ensuring interoperability and compliance with design specifications.
• Coordinate with Principal Architect and Senior Program Manager to align technical and programmatic goals.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and risk management plans.
• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, security requirements, and quality assurance processes.
• Facilitate communication between engineering teams, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Prepare technical documentation and status reports for leadership and clients.

Required Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:

• Bachelor�s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10 or more years of experience in systems engineering, preferably within the defense or government contracting industry.
• 10+ years of project management experience (or relevant technical leadership experience in lieu of formal project management positions).
• Proven ability to manage complex technical projects involving multiple integrated systems, particularly with respect to communications and networking systems.
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning and executing systems engineering activities
• Experience developing systems engineering artifacts such as CONOPS, requirements documents, system functional/physical designs, etc.
• Proven ability to establish objectives, formulate plans and processes, and implement solutions by collaborating with technical team members.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think critically and strategically.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with sponsors, team members, and stakeholders at all levels.

Desired Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:

• Master�s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Technology Management
• 15+ years of project management experience (or relevant technical leadership experience in lieu of formal project management positions).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience with networking systems design, implementation and testing
• Experience with program management and systems engineering processes and reviews (SRR/SFR, PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial management

Primary Work Location: Work is to be performed fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Special Work Conditions:

• Occasional CONUS travel may be required; up to 15%
• Possible travel to OCONUS locations; up to 10%

Security:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation: VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech�s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.

To learn more about VT-ARC�s Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.