Senior Program Manager

Applied Research Solutions is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to support an Air Force acquisition mission at Eglin AFB, FL specifically focused on the sustainment and modernization of Mission Planning Systems. The candidate will provide T&E technical and engineering support across the full test spectrum to include concept development, methodology development, plan development, execution, and reporting, including data reduction and analysis and end-user operational testing.

The candidate must have been a Weapons Systems Officer in the USAF within the last 10 years.

The Mission Planning Division (AFLCMC/C3M) consists of multiple Acquisition Category (ACAT) III and SWAP Acquisition Pathway Automated Information System (AIS) development and modernization programs. The Division is responsible for delivering enterprise mission planning software (MPS) for all AF aviation platforms. MPS is a single, modular system of software air navigation planning applications to support new aircraft Operational Flight Programs (OFPs), avionics upgrades and additional weapons integration to support the Joint Warfighter. MPS connects two worlds: the databases necessary to command and control forces (Air Tasking Order (ATO), targeting databases, threat databases, terrain and feature databases, aeronautical flight information file databases, etc.); and the information required by the aircraft weapons/avionics and the aircrew mission folders containing mission critical information. A mission planning suite includes the software, hardware, and linkages to the global grid necessary to plan, develop, and share mission plans and provide the required mission data to the aircraft avionics.

This is a full-time position located at Eglin AFB, Niceville, FL.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. 

As a Senior Program Manager at ARS, you will:

• Plan, research, analyze, and assess projects to recommend strategies meeting cost, schedule, and performance goals.
• Support cost and schedule reduction initiatives for acquisition and development programs.
• Provide program-level acquisition support to PMs and IPT Leads to guide execution and maintain battle rhythm.
• Analyze program health and advise leadership on options to maintain objectives.
• Support and develop program status briefings and acquisition schedules for senior management.
• Contribute to RFP development including SOWs, SRDs, CDRLs, and technical documentation.
• Review acquisition documents (ADMs, LCSPs, APBs, PMRs, etc.) for consistency and accuracy.
• Prepare statutory and regulatory acquisition reports, milestone documentation, and MARs.
• Implement and execute acquisition processes in collaboration with government and prime contractors.
• Provide program management expertise per DoDD 5000.1, DoDI 5000.02, and relevant DoD/AF policy.
• Identify policy disconnects and provide interpretation across acquisition activities.
• Advise on PM best practices to improve efficiency and cost avoidance.
• Support acquisition strategy development, market research, risk assessment, and MTA/UCA initiatives.
• Coordinate and support scheduling personnel and risk management planning.
• Maintain and update acquisition reports and documentation in tools such as CCaR, IDECS, and EDA.
• Assist with funding document preparation (e.g., PRs, MIPRs) and briefings.
• Provide support for life cycle logistics and operational supportability.
• Compare program direction and plans for alignment and consistency.
• Monitor and review contractor deliverables, schedules, integration plans, and IT interface controls.
• Assist in drafting contractual letters and developing source selection strategies and documents.
• Track and advise on acquisition reform policy impacts.
• Support mission execution including planning, analysis, event integration/execution, and reporting.
• Oversee MPE system development and ensure alignment with OFP testing and fielding requirements.
• Review and evaluate ECPs, RFPs, incentive clauses, and cost proposals for MPEC-II DOs.
• Correlate EVM cost reports with IMS CDRLs and support risk assessments.
• Provide DoD directive and AFI guidance to branch chiefs and project managers.
• Support Mission Planning Independent Validation, FQT, and Development Evaluations.
• Identify acquisition policy gaps and recommend management solutions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• Experience: 10 years of directly related experience with 5 years of experience in a DoD setting
• Education: BA/BS degree preferred. 
• Security Clearance: Secret Clearance
• Certifications: PMP Certificate preferred.
• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.

Additional Information:

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal history and identity check.

Must abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a).  This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

Must abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).  This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Qualifications Skills Preferred Software Intermediate SharePoint Intermediate Behaviors Preferred Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well Team Player: Works well as a member of a group Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject Education Preferred Bachelors or better. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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