Dark Wolf is seeking a Program Manager to oversee technical initiatives and work efforts within our autonomous systems portfolio. The ideal candidate will have 10–15 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams and a strong background in managing complex technical projects. While the primary focus of this role is high-level program management and technical leadership, a preferred candidate will possess a cursory operational understanding of specialized testing environments, specifically hardware and software penetration testing methodologies for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or autonomous systems. This position is expected to be supported in a Hybrid capacity in Herndon, VA.
- Leading and guiding engineering teams of varied skill sets across a diverse portfolio of tools and functions.
- Driving the adoption and implementation of new and emerging technologies and processes.
- Managing technical functions and work efforts across the program portfolio.
- Architecting and engineering secure solutions to protect critical data, platforms, and systems.
- Leading efforts to integrate new technologies into existing platforms to enhance operational posture and resilience.
- Interfacing with technical teams to maintain high-level situational awareness of specialized cyber operations, including hardware/software penetration testing frameworks for tactical platforms (e.g., UAVs, autonomous systems).
- Ensuring compliance with emerging technical policies and requirements.
- Presenting complex technical information—spanning both core infrastructure and specialized edge/UAV environments—to non-technical stakeholders clearly and effectively.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Engineering, or related discipline OR 3+ years of applicable experience in lieu of degree.
- 12+ years of experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD).
- 6+ years of project and program management experience.
- Proven track record in adopting and implementing new and emerging technologies in technical environments.
- Possesses strong technical leadership skills and analytic ability.
- US Citizenship and an active Secret security clearance.
Desired Qualifications:
- A basic familiarity or cursory understanding of the hardware, firmware, and software vulnerabilities associated with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous systems.
- General awareness of penetration testing concepts for embedded devices, vehicle networks, or RF communication protocols.
The estimated salary range for this position is $150,000.00 - $180,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset.
We are strictly looking for direct, full-time W2 employees. We do not engage with third-party staffing agencies, C2C, or 1099 independent contractors for this role.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Engineering, or related discipline OR 3+ years of applicable experience in lieu of degree.
- 12+ years of experience supporting the Department of Defense (DoD).
- 6+ years of project and program management experience.
- 10-15 years leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
- Proven track record in adopting and implementing new and emerging technologies in technical environments.
- Strong technical leadership skills and analytic ability.
- US Citizenship and an active Secret security clearance.
- Basic familiarity with hardware, firmware, and software vulnerabilities of UAVs and autonomous systems.
- General awareness of penetration testing concepts for embedded devices, vehicle networks, or RF communication protocols.
What We Do
Dark Wolf Solutions provides DevSecOps agile software development, information operations, penetration testing and incident response, applied research and rapid prototyping, machine learning, and mission support and engineering services to the Intelligence Community, national security, and Fortune 500 customers. By combining the most innovative emerging technologies with deep federal domain expertise, Dark Wolf operates at the nexus of technical innovation and mission needs.
