SMX is seeking a Program Director/Senior Program Manager to lead a high-impact technology program for NAVAIR. This role will oversee the full program lifecycle, including research, planning, design, engineering, prototype and software development, integration, testing, installation, and recommendations for advanced technology solutions based on thorough analyses and market research. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in technical program management, specifically in computer systems engineering and communication architecture analysis and design. This hybrid role is located in the Patuxent River, MD area, with work conducted at SMX offices, client sites, and remotely.
Required clearance: Active Top Secret with SCI Eligibility
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate priorities and resources across multiple projects to ensure timely, on-budget completion
- Allocate resources effectively and utilize corporate quality processes to track project schedules, costs, and deliverables
- Prepare and deliver project documentation, track program metrics, implement lessons learned, and ensure continuous improvement in production and quality for assigned programs
- Lead operational planning, execution, and evaluation of multifaceted programs, collaborating with customers to identify new opportunities
- Ensure contract service, quality, and performance standards are met and maintain compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP)
- Identify and pursue additional workshare and growth opportunities within existing and emerging contracts and markets
- Shape and support prime contractor and subcontractor opportunities, leveraging established relationships within the Navy
- Cultivate relationships with Navy customers, stakeholders, and key influencers; demonstrate the ability to foster new partnerships
- Lead briefings and presentations to senior government and industry acquisition officials
- Develop and execute Navy business development strategies, including market alignment, pipeline development, opportunity management, and proposal support
- Leverage a deep mission understanding of Navy customer needs in Cloud, Cyber, Digital Modernization, Data, and Systems Engineering & Integration
Required Skills & Experience
- Active TS/SCI security clearance
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 15 years of related experience in the DoD market
- Demonstrated success in government contracting, with significant experience in customer-facing roles (DoD preferred)
- Previous experience in computer systems engineering and architecture analysis/design
- Proven experience in budget management and execution
- Experience briefing senior government and industry leaders on program, technology, and financial matters
- Track record leading large, complex contracts involving development, production, and fielding of technical platforms and initiatives
- Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently
- Strong organizational skills, proactive mindset, and a drive for results
- Experience contributing to proposals and the RFI, RFQ, or RFP processes
- In-depth knowledge of the Navy market’s competitive landscape and existing contracts
- Proven ability to work both creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment, demonstrating teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence
The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
Skills Required
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum 15 years of related experience in the Department of Defense market
- Experience in government contracting and customer-facing roles
- Experience in computer systems engineering and architecture analysis and design
- Budget management and execution experience
- Experience briefing senior government and industry leaders on program, technology, and financial matters
- Experience leading large, complex contracts involving development, production, and fielding of technical platforms and initiatives
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong organizational skills and proactive mindset
- Experience contributing to RFI, RFQ, or RFP processes and proposals
- In-depth knowledge of the Navy market's competitive landscape and existing contracts
- Ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment
- Teamwork, innovation, and commitment to excellence
SMX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SMX and has not been reviewed or approved by SMX.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Salary ranges are publicly listed on many postings and a pay transparency statement clarifies how location, contract, and credentials influence offers. This visibility helps set clear expectations around compensation.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — About four weeks of PTO plus 11 paid federal holidays are highlighted in careers materials. Paid military leave on some roles further expands time‑off coverage.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 5% and immediate vesting is called out in role descriptions. Traditional and Roth options support long‑term savings.
SMX Insights
What We Do
SMX is a global technology and advanced engineering provider specializing in Cloud Solutions, C5ISR, and Advanced Engineering / IT. Our tradition of delivering innovative, technical solutions dates back to 1995, however, you may know us better by one of our legacy company names: Trident Technologies, Smartronix, Datastrong, or C2S Consulting Group. With the support of OceanSound Partners, our private equity investment sponsor, we began operating as one business starting in 2019 and became SMX in 2021. We operate in close proximity to our clients around the globe and have core locations in Alabama, California, the DC Metro, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Today, as SMX, we are one team and together empower government and commercial enterprises to become more effective, innovative, and resilient, no matter what challenges they face. SMX offers competitive benefits, excellent work environments, and growth opportunities for our employees while continuing to expand operations and support our communities. We have more than 25 years of rapid and consistent growth with continuous recognition as an employer-of-choice technology company. In addition, we have earned coveted industry quality and business certifications; have a strong commitment to business partnerships, ethics, compliance, and sustainability; and have a multitude of premier contracting vehicles. The combination of these attributes allows us to provide sound, repeatable business solutions yet remain flexible and agile to quickly adapt to specific customer requirements. Committed to ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, SMX is structured around the programs and technologies we support to provide optimal and seamless operations. We have maintained a reputation for excellence, helping to assure the missions of our Department of Defense, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other Government and commercial customers.
