Senior Project Manager

Summary

Senior Project Manager

Arlington, VA

The Senior Project Manager will lead the definition, implementation, and ongoing management of DARPA’s Portfolio Optimization Framework. This role is responsible for operationalizing a shift from a reactive, people-dependent IT delivery model to a disciplined, process-driven, and metrics-based approach that embeds security, accountability, and mission value from inception through sustainment. The Senior Project Manager will oversee the implementation of the framework, ensuring it demonstrates measurable improvements in delivery speed, compliance posture, cost transparency, and mission outcomes.

The role serves as the integrator between mission stakeholders, technical teams, security authorities, and leadership, translating strategy into executable plans and repeatable governance mechanisms.

• Lead the implementation of the Portfolio Optimization Framework, establishing standardized processes, governance structures, and delivery rhythms across DARPA IT initiatives.
• Define and enforce program-level controls that reduce fragmentation, eliminate siloed execution, and shift delivery from ad hoc engineering to governed workflows.
• Establish clear accountability models aligning mission value, cost, security, and delivery outcomes.
• Lead discovery activities including process assessments, application rationalization, and mission-value prioritization.
• Manage the development of a formal Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), comparing traditional development approaches with FedRAMP-authorized low-code/no-code platforms.
• Ensure decisions are evidence-based and aligned with DARPA’s mission, risk tolerance, and long-term modernization objectives.
• Oversee transition into architecture approval and secure development activities.
• Ensure adoption of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Dev Sec Ops  Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated security controls.
• Coordinate with cybersecurity and compliance stakeholders to enable continuous RMF evidence collection and reduce time to obtain Authority to Operate (ATO) and enable continuous authorization.
• Establish performance telemetry, including metrics, logs, and traces to provide real-time insight into system health, security posture, and mission outcomes.
• Lead quarterly mission value reviews that use data to drive prioritization, investment decisions, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure lessons learned are institutionalized into repeatable processes for future programs.
• Manage the transition from capital-intensive, on-premises investments to a cloud-enabled, consumption-based OpEx model.
• Align technical delivery with financial transparency, cost controls, and measurable return on mission value.
• Support leadership decision-making with clear reporting on cost, risk, performance, and outcomes.
• Serve as the primary interface with DARPA leadership, program managers, security authorities, and contractor teams.
• Develop and deliver executive-level briefings on progress, risks, tradeoffs, and performance metrics.
• Ensure consistent communication and alignment across technical, security, and mission stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years of relevant leadership experience managing large, complex, mission-critical web-based IT systems development projects and programs
• PMP certification required
• Additional certifications in SAFe, ITIL, and related methodologies preferred
• Top Secret clearance required

• Demonstrated success leading large-scale IT modernization or transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of federal IT governance, RMF, ATO processes, and secure system delivery.
• Experience managing multi-phase programs involving discovery, architecture, development, and operational optimization.
• Proven ability to translate strategy and white-paper concepts into executable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with FedRAMP-authorized cloud and low-code/no-code platforms.
• Working knowledge of Dev Sec Ops , Infrastructure as Code, and Zero Trust principles.
• Experience implementing metrics-driven portfolio or product management frameworks.

Yes

Telework 1-2 days per week on average